France welcomes ceasefire in western Sudan
PARIS, April 9, 2004 (KUNA) — The French government warmly welcomed on Friday the announcement that the Sudanese factions had reached an agreement in talks in neighboring Chad to put an end to fighting in the Darfur region that borders Sudan and Chad.
”This agreement is important. It foresees a 45-day, renewable cease-fire, the guarantee of access for humanitarian (aid) to the civilian populations, the liberation of prisoners and the disarming of armed militias,” said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous.
France said it was calling on the Sudanese parties to implement the new accord in an “effective and rapid manner”.
French authorities also called on the government in Khartoum and the Darfur rebels to work towards a durable solution to their conflict and Paris said it would help any efforts undertaken in this process.