Slovene president envoy held in Sudan’s Darfur
July 21, 2006 (LJUBLJANA) — Tomo Kriznar, President Janez Drnovsek’s special envoy to the western Sudanese province of Darfur, has said that court proceedings against him have been started in the Sudanese city of Al Fasher, Drnovsek’s office reported.
According to Kriznar, who was arrested on Wednesday for lacking a valid visa for Sudan, he is being dealt with in a correct manner and is expecting a hearing.
Drnovsek’s office has already called on the president of the African Union commission, the Sudanese embassy in Vienna, which also covers Slovenia, as well as other foreign institutions for assistance in securing Kriznar’s release.
According to the office, the Sudanese authorities should take into consideration Kriznar’s health condition and his activities aimed at establishing peace in Darfur and return him to Slovenia as soon as possible.
The office also contacted Pekka Haavista, EU’s special envoy to Sudan, and asked him to assist in efforts to bring Kriznar back to Slovenia as soon as possible.
It moreover called on Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry to try and secure Kriznar’s release through diplomatic channels.
Drnovsek sent Kriznar to Sudan in early February. He has also presented a plan to solve the crisis in the province as well as launched a humanitarian initiative.
(ST)