European Union calls on Sudan’s partner to work for peace implementation
January 8, 2008 (BRUSSELS) — On the occasion of the third anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) the European Union urged the two partners to work together for peace implementation and successful democratic transition.
The EU encouraged the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) to achieve the objectives of the CPA. It said that Sudan’s peace partner should keep in mind that “the achievement of a peaceful, democratic, prosperous and united Sudan goes beyond the relations between the North and the South of Sudan.”
In a statement issued in Brussels on Tuesday, the EU said “The CPA stands out as a historic achievement of the people of Sudan…..With its provisions for a peaceful and democratic transformation it marks the way forward for the whole of Sudan.”
The European Union reiterated its confidence in the capacity of the two signatories of 2005 peace deal to “peacefully turning challenges and obstacles into opportunities and of reinforcing the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in a spirit of mutual trust, respect and commitment.”
However the EU said attaching great importance to the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC), as the main vehicle for monitoring and promoting CPA implementation.
“The AEC is an important mechanism for dialogue between the parties and some of the key international partners to the CPA. The European Union would like to underline its commitment to further strengthen the role of the AEC in ensuring full implementation of the CPA.” The statement said.
It also renewed its commitment to support the CPA implementation as well as all efforts to bring peace and development to Sudanese people.
The signature of the CPA on 9 th January 2005 opened a new chapter in the EU-Sudan relationship. Following almost 15 years of suspended EU cooperation with the Sudan, the signing of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) with the Sudan, mobilising some 400 M Euros for the period 2005-2007, which took place on 25th January 2005, was a clear message that the international Community is ready to provide “peace dividends” if the process is moving in the right direction.
(ST)