UN demands end to conflict

2006-04-11 20:20

United Nations - The United Nations security council has demanded the Sudanese government and rebels reach an agreement to end the conflict in Darfur by April 30, and re-affirmed its determination to hold those blocking peace and violating human rights accountable.

A UN presidential statement, adopted by the 15 council members, stressed "an inclusive political settlement is key to peace in Sudan", and backed the peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria, led by the African Union.

The UN security council endorsed the April 30 decision by the African Union peace and security council.

Annan expresses concern

AU chairman and People's Republic of Congo president Denis Sassou-Nguesso, said the decision to negotiate directly with the parties involved could result in the signing of a new cease-fire, proposed by mediators, "in the coming days" and lead to the conclusion of a peace agreement.

The UN security council reiterated its concern "that the persisting violence in Darfur might negatively affect the rest of the country as well as the region, including the security of Chad".

UN secretary-general Kofi Annan expressed concern at the recent intensification of fighting along Chad's eastern border with Sudan's Darfur region, and the extension of the armed confrontations to the borders with the Central African Republic.

UN commends AU force

He condemned recent attacks on refugee camps in southern Chad and the killing of two doctors on a UN-backed humanitarian mission in the northern Central African Republic.

The council expressed regret at the Sudanese government's refusal to allow UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland to visit Darfur.

It also expressed regret at the Sudanese government's refusal to renew the contract of the Norwegian Refugee Council and expressed "grave concern over the humanitarian consequences".

The council also commended the 7 000-strong African Union force, which has been trying to prevent the Darfur conflict from worsening.

- AP