Sweden supports AU initiative in Darfur

STOCKHOLM, Oct 29, 2004 (Xinhua) — Sweden will make a further contribution of SEK 5.7 million (0.8 million US dollars) to African Union (AU) to support its efforts to restore peace in the Darfur region of western Sudan, the Swedish government announced on Friday.

“In view of the continuing critical situation in Darfur, Sweden welcomes the African Union’s decision to expand its mission. The Swedish contribution is an important part of the international community’s support to continued peace efforts and negotiations”, commented Minister for Foreign Affairs Laila Freivalds.

Sweden will contribute to the establishment of an integrated civil-military function, whose role will be to support and plan for the various efforts in the region.

Support will also be given to the AU-led political negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, where, on behalf of the European Union, Swedish Ambassador Sten Rylander is assisting the African Union and participating in the mediation team.

Since May 2004, the African Union has been monitoring the ceasefire between the Sudanese government and the two rebel groups in Darfur.

On Oct. 20, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union took a decision to expand the current observer mission.

Sweden already sent one observer to the AU mission in Darfur and two police officers and three military observers to the Joint Monitoring Mission, which monitors the local ceasefire in the Nuba mountains of southern Sudan.