Africa’s Peace and Security Council denounces attacks on Khartoum
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
May 16, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (PSCAU) condemned the armed attack perpetrated by Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) on Khartoum on May 10, 2008 as unacceptable act.
In a press statement it released on Thursday, AU said the council made the denouncement after being briefed by Commissioner PSC Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra and by the Sudanese government representative.
The council said the act further complicated the efforts aimed at finding a political solution, in the context of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) to the crises in Darfur and at promoting regional peace, security and stability.
The council called on the Sudanese parties to recommit themselves to dialogue as the only means for ending the conflict in Darfur and the suffering the civilian population.
The council also expressed concerns at escalating tension in the relation between the Sudan and Chad, which resulted in the breaking of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the closing of the common border.
The council urged the two countries to exercises utmost restraint, resort to dialogue to resolve their difference and rededicate themselves to the scrupulous and faithful implementation of their commitments under the Dakar Agreement and other pervious Agreements.
The council expressed its support to the decision of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Commissioner for Peace and Security to travel immediately to Chad and the Sudan as part of the effort aimed at diffusing the tension and furthering peace, stability and good neighborliness in the region as a whole.
The council agreed to reconvene in due course to review the situation and take appropriate action on the matter.
(ST)