EU urged to support Sudan’s peace process

KHARTOUM, Jan 17, 2005 (Xinhua) — Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail on Monday called on the European Union (EU) and the international community to support Sudan’s peace process.

At a joint press conference with visiting Minister of Development Cooperation of the Netherlands Agnes Van Ardenne, Ismail said Sudan and the EU would need to work together in order to solve the Darfur crisis.

He also stressed the necessity of resorting to all possible means for the success of peace talks between the Sudanese government and the Darfur rebel groups due to be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in February.

The Sudanese minister said that his government “has exerted intensive efforts in solving the conflict in Darfur.”

Ismail said the Sudanese government would support the African Union (AU), seek a political solution and welcome any initiative aimed at ending the Darfur conflict.

The Dutch minister, on her part, said she discussed with Ismail the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur and means to control the activities of armed militias there.

The senior Dutch official reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the Sudanese peace process and contributing to the country’s reconstruction and development.

Ardenne also urged the Darfur conflicting parties to commit to agreements they have signed, particularly a comprehensive ceasefire and humanitarian agreements, and to support the AU’s peace mission in Darfur.

She said that the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement on Jan. 9 “has greatly contributed to promoting Sudan’s stand before the international community.”

Meanwhile, Ardenne stressed the need to solve the Darfur conflict in order to achieve a positive “image” of Sudan.

Ardenne arrived here earlier in the day on a two-day official visit to Sudan.