UK expresses concern over continued violence in Sudan’s Darfur

Sept 24, 2005 (LONDON) — Lord Triesman, Foreign Office Minister for Africa, expressed his concern, on 23 September, about the continued fighting in the Darfur region of Sudan.

The Minister called “All sides to the conflict must engage constructively in the peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria for the sake of the people of Darfur.”

“We share the UN Secretary General’s concern at the spiraling violence of recent days, including the targeting of humanitarian workers by the rebels.” he further added.

The British official said “Both the Sudanese Government and the rebels have an obligation to control their troops, observe the ceasefire, and work through the African Union to resolve the crisis.”

All sides must recognise that there can be no military solution to the conflict. Only through a political process will peace return to Darfur and the millions of displaced people be able to return home.

Trisesman said the establishment of the Government of National Unity “is an opportunity which must not be missed to build peace throughout Sudan.”

(ST)