Britain condemns Darfur violence
Dec 10, 2006 (LONDON) –The British Foreign Office minister for Africa, Lord Triesman, has condemned, the ongoing violence in Darfur, urging all the concerned by to respect the ceasefire in the region.
Triesman who received a petition as part of the Global Darfur Day on 10 Decembe, said “appalled that the people of Darfur are still being subjected to horrific atrocities, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries and mass displacement. Women and young girls continue to face the threat of attack and rape. This is totally unacceptable”.
‘While the international community is working hard to address Darfur’s problems, the parties continue to fight on the ground. This week has seen unacceptable fighting in Al Fasher between Arab Militia and troops loyal to Minni Minawi’s faction of the Sudan Liberation Army.
This is not the first time in the recent months that Arab militia have been involved in serious violations of the ceasefire, and it must stop at once. The Government of Sudan must rein them in and disarm them: they will be judged on their effectiveness in fulfilling their commitment to do this.
‘It is also imperative that non-signatory rebel groups cease fighting and sign up to the Darfur Peace Agreement. Their continued attacks are a serious impediment to the peace process. I particularly condemn attacks by rebels of the National Redemption Front on oil field sites in Kordofan on 26 November, for spreading the violence beyond Darfur” he said.
‘It is the people of Darfur, the civilians, who suffer the consequences of this refusal to stop fighting by all sides. In the last six weeks alone, more than 80,000 have been forced to flee their homes, hundreds have died and many have suffered human rights abuses at the hands of armed groups. This cannot be tolerated.
‘All parties now need to commit to and remain focused upon the Peace Agreement as a political solution to the conflict. The Government of Sudan must work with the AU and UN to provide the enhanced peacekeeping force agreed in Addis Ababa on 16 November.
‘I have this morning gladly accepted a petition that demonstrates continued concern that this terrible situation must not continue. Importantly, the Global Day for Darfur keeps the international spotlight on the suffering of the people there.’
(ST)