EU prepares millions in aid for victims of conflict in Darfur region of Sudan

BRUSSELS, April 28, 2004 (AP ) — The European Union said Wednesday it was preparing EUR10 million in new aid for victims of conflict in Sudan ‘s Darfur region.

E.U. Commissioner Poul Nielson said he would submit the package to E.U. governments for approval. The aid package will help those affected by the fighting in Sudan ‘s remote western region. Nielson said the conflict had claimed thousands of lives and “resulted in huge population displacements.”

Nielson said warring parties in Darfur and elsewhere needed to respect “humanitarian space,” including buildings such as hospitals and people working to help victims of the conflict.

This space was being increasingly violated, he said, citing last year’s attacks in Iraq on U.N. and Red Cross buildings.

“This is a deeply disturbing development that threatens the delivery of vital aid to people in distress,” said Nielson.