EU asked to take tougher action in Sudan

BRUSSELS, Nov 22, 2004 (AP) — European Union foreign ministers faced a call Monday to take tougher action in Sudan ‘s western Darfur region as a leading humanitarian group reported new violence has cut off aid supplies to over 150,000 people.

“The European Union must immediately take robust action to force the warring parties in Darfur to comply with their commitments to protect civilians in Darfur,” Oxford, England-based Oxfam International said in a statement.

The charity denounced deteriorating security on roads caused by bandits and warring factions, which were forcing it to use helicopters to fly aid to four towns in the western region of Sudan .

“Without road access, we are not able to get essential aid,” said Caroline Nursery, Oxfam’s regional director. “Thousands of people fled their homes with nothing and are in urgent need of mosquito nets and blankets.”

Oxfam was also critical of a U.N. resolution last week which stopped short of threatening sanctions against the Sudanese government.

The E.U. is supporting an African Union plan to send more than 3,000 peacekeepers to Darfur.

The bloc has also considered sanctions such as a travel ban or asset freeze against Sudanese leaders.

The conflict in Darfur started in February last year, when the government attempted to crush two non-Arab African rebel groups who took up arms to fight for more power and resources. The government is accused of backing Arab militias, who are accused of targeting civilians in a campaign of murder, rape and arson.

The conflict has driven 1.8 million people from their homes.