UK says Darfur peace deal is ‘very significant’
May 5, 2006 (LONDON) — Britain hailed as “very significant” a peace deal between the Sudanese government and a rebel group to help the strife-torn Sudanese region of Darfur.
International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has been in Nigeria where the peace talks were taking place.
“This is a very significant agreement which means that the process of bringing peace to Darfur can now begin,” Benn said in a statement.
“This is the first step towards ending the truly terrible suffering of the people of Darfur, so many of whom have lost their lives, and with a further two million people forced from their homes,” he said.
His comments came after the Sudanese government and the main rebel faction signed a peace deal for the region, although other rebel groups still refused.
Despite the progress, Benn warned: “The real challenge now is to turn the agreement into peace and a better life for the people of Darfur.
“The UK will play its full part in helping to make this happen.”
The British minister announced an additional nine million pounds (17 million dollars, 13 million euros) to a humanitarian fund set up by the United Nations for Sudan. The pledge comes on top of 40 million pounds already committed.
(ST)