US condemns Sudan for bombing raids on villages in Darfur
April 27, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — The United States condemned on Friday reported Sudanese government bombing raids on two villages in Sudan’s Darfur region a week ago and demanded that such attacks be stopped.
Sudan has called news of the attacks last Thursday and Saturday fabrications designed to build a case for increased sanctions against Sudan for its conduct in the rebellious western region.
State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey quoted “credible reports” that the bombings killed two pregnant women and numerous livestock, destroyed many homes and damaged a school.
The attacks were reported in a part of Darfur controlled by a rebel faction that has not signed the Darfur peace agreement between the government and the largest rebel group, which established a cease-fire.
The attacks “call into question Sudan’s commitment to abandon a military strategy in Darfur and pursue a peaceful negotiated political settlement,” Casey said.
“The United States calls on the Sudanese government immediately to end these attacks and calls on all parties, including the rebel factions, to adhere to the cease-fire and refrain from further violence.”
Rebels dominated by Muslims of African descent rose against the ethnic Arab-dominated central government four years ago demanding autonomy. Violence largely by Arab militias, allegedly with the support of President Omar al-Bashir’s government, has resulted in more than 200,000 dead and 2 million displaced people and refugees.
(AP)