No-Fly Zone for Darfur – EU must back Blair at Summit
Aegis Trust
Media Release
Dec 13, 2006 — Despite Tony Blair’s weak public statement about Darfur on Saturday, which was heavily criticised by the Aegis Trust for merely ‘hinting at sanctions,’ it is clear from Guy Dinmore’s piece in the Financial Times this morning (‘Blair backs plan for no-fly zone over Darfur’, front page) that Blair has lost patience with Khartoum and is prepared to take tougher action than he is publicly letting on.
James Smith – EU timetable for No-Fly Zone
“Finally, after the stasis of the past three years caused by a focus on doomed peace talks and ceasefires, this is the breakthrough the desperate people of Darfur needed,” says Dr James Smith, Chief Executive of the Aegis Trust.
“Now Tony Blair is talking substance, not just hinting at sanctions. We call on other European leaders to back Tony Blair’s leadership on this issue at the coming EU summit and set a firm deadline for Sudan to accept an international force that will protect civilians – or face the immediate imposition of a no-fly zone.”
Stephen Twigg – UN force for Chad also essential
The Aegis Trust is urging that moves to ensure security in the region should not, however, be limited to a deadline for imposition of a No-Fly Zone.
“Whether or not Sudan agrees to effective international protection in Darfur, it’s time a UN force was put into eastern Chad, hours not months away from the IDP camps,” says Aegis Policy Director Stephen Twigg.
“Chad indicated in May that it would welcome such a force. It should formalise that invitation to the UN – and the UN Security Council should ensure a speedy response.”
Glenys Kinnock – Khartoum must not be allowed to play for time
Glenys Kinnock MEP shares Aegis’ position: “The UK must take a strong position at Thursday’s EU Council. Khartoum is playing for time, and the implications arising from the destabilisation of Chad and the Central African Republic are clear.
“The UK should call for a UN mission to be deployed in Chad, for the enforcement of sanctions against targeted individuals in Khartoum and, crucially, for the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Darfur. It is urgent, and appropriate, to now set clear and unequivocal timetables and deadlines.”
ENDS
For more information, contact Media Officer David Brown, tel: 01623 836627, mobile: 07812 640873, email: [email protected]