EU envoys urge Darfurians to support national dialogue
November 8, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union (EU) diplomats to Sudan have expressed deep concern over the continued increase in numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in refugee camps in South Darfur and urged the region’s stakeholders support the upcoming peace talks and national dialogue.
They also exchanged views with government officials, Darfur Regional Authority (DRA), Sudanese civil society and international organisations and the IDPs in the Kalma camp.
In a statement issued after their return to Khartoum, the head of EU delegation to Sudan ambassador Tomas Ulicny, said there is no military solution for the nearly 12-year conflict in Darfur and called to support the ongoing efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement for armed conflicts in Sudan.
Ulicny “ encouraged all stakeholders, including the government, the opposition, the armed movements and the civil society, to support and contribute to an inclusive national dialogue process,” says a statement released on Saturday.
“Ambassador Tomas said that a political solution for Darfur should be a priority to everyone and be tackled without delay.”
The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) called for a meeting in Addis Ababa on 22 November between the Sudanese government and three rebel groups to discuss a cessation of hostilities agreement and security arrangements before they join the national dialogue process.
From the rebel groups, only the Sudan Liberation Movement –Minni Minnawi said will take part in the meeting. Also, Khartoum said ready for the talks adding they will negotiate with those who accept to take part in the process.
During a visit to Kalma camp for internally displaced people, the ambassadors expressed concern over increasing numbers of IDPs at the camp which is seen as an indication of instability and continuous violence in the region.
After taking note of “the camp leaders’ anxiety about security and provision of basic services, the EU ambassadors encouraged the leaders to lend full support to the upcoming peace talks and the national dialogue,” further said the statement.
The visiting ambassadors reiterated the support of the European Union to Darfur region stressing that the EU is one of the major development and humanitarian partners in the region.
During their presence in Nyala, ambassador Ulicny announced that the EU donated 11 million Euro to South Darfur state .
On Saturday he indicated that this amount was equally distributed between humanitarian and development aid projects.
“We hope that we can transform our contributions gradually to development aid once the security situation improves on the ground and access is granted,” he further said.
(ST)