European envoys to Sudan to visit South Darfur this week
November 4, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – A delegation of European ambassadors in Sudan is scheduled to visit South Darfur this week, said the European Union (EU) ambassador to Sudan, Tomas Ulicny.
Last month, EU requested that Sudanese authorities allow its ambassadors to visit South Darfur state in November to receive first-hand information about the political, development and humanitarian situation in the state.
Last Monday Ulicny explained that the visit comes at an important time to renew the EU commitment to promote a peaceful, just and comprehensive solution to the crisis in Darfur where the military option cannot represent a solution.
“Ambassadors and heads of mission of Italy, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Spain will take part in the visit,” he added.
Ulicny pointed out that the delegation will meet with the governor of South Darfur, the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) and a wide selection of national and international organisations, stressing the meetings will inform the EU ambassadors about the progress in the political, development and humanitarian areas.
The EU had previously announced that the visit will be extended to cover its funded projects in the areas of water sanitation, basic health services, food supply, democracy and human rights and education to the population of South Darfur, where many remain displaced.
Ulicny said that following EU’s ambassadors last year visit to east Sudan, there was an increased EU development aid in the areas of education and health, noting the visit also allowed leaders of eastern Sudan to visit European countries to enhance political dialogue and seek support to the Asmara agreement.
“We hope we can do the same this time to Darfur were we can shed light on the existing needs for international aid and support for the full implementation of Doha Agreements,” he said.
NEW EU COMMISSION
Meanwhile, Ulicny said that the EU looks for constructive cooperation with Sudan as a new European Commission took office in Brussels this month, pointing the EU policy on Sudan always called for peace, stability, democratization and respect to human rights.
“We will continue to call and work with the Sudanese authorities and stakeholders to realise these policy aims,” he said.
He added that EU dialogue with Sudan has been enhanced lately, saying they look for more progress in the political, development and humanitarian cooperation.
The EU ambassador further noted that the new commission assembled a talented group of new European leaders, adding they will continue to support Sudan and the Sudanese people in their transition to an internally reformed democracy, living in peace with itself and with its neighbours.
He underscored the national dialogue process initiated by president Omer Hassan al-Bashir last January is currently the best opportunity to make progress towards these goals.
“Sudan and the EU can work on democratic transition, human rights and economic relations, regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa as well as on global challenges including migration, human trafficking and climate change,” he added.
(ST)