European Parliament urges UN force, non-fly zone in Darfur
Feb 16, 2007 (BRUSSELS) — The European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging the UN to set a date for deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur, it also calls to enforce a non-fly zone in Darfur.
In a resolution adopted Thursday Feb 15, the European Parliament calls on the United Nations, even in the absence of consent or agreement from the Sudanese Government, to clearly set a date for deployment of a United-Nations-supported peacekeeping force to secure humanitarian aid corridors.
The resolution further urges the EU and the international community to supply equipment for the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Darfur and implement targeted economic sanctions, including an oil embargo, against those who impede the peace process.
The resolution also calls on the governments of the Member States of the EU, the Council and the Commission to assume their responsibilities and make every possible effort to protect the people of Darfur from a humanitarian disaster.
The Members of the European Parliament call on the international community, including the EU Member States, to make equipment available in the region for the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Darfur – a region the Sudanese Government has been bombing.
Another concern for the House is China who should cease to export arms to Sudan and to stop blocking decisions on targeted sanctions in the UN Security Council. The European Parliament is also in favour of targeted economic sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes and threatens to have an embargo on oil.
(ST)