Russia says concerned about Darfur violence

Sept 30, 2005 (MOSCOW) — Moscow is concerned at the latest deterioration in the situation in Darfur, the Russian Foreign Ministry information and press department said today.

According to information obtained by the department, “after a period of relative calm the situation in the West Sudanese province of Darfur has deteriorated once again”. This was attested, the Foreign Ministry reports, in the recent attack by armed detachments of the Janjaweed on the Aro Sharow refugee camp in Darfur.

“This can only be a cause for concern,” the Foreign Ministry believes.

The ministry notes that Russia has always worked and continues to work on the premise that only a political settlement can bring an end to the conflict in West Sudan and establish peace and stability.

“The latest upsurge of violence in Darfur demands a show of restraint, compliance with cease-fire accords and immediate additional efforts by the Government of National Unity and other parties to the settlement as well as by African peacekeepers and the international community in order to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian situation and an escalation of tension in West Sudan,” says the Foreign Ministry report.

(RIA/ST)