SECRETARY-GENERAL GRAVELY CONCERNED BY WORSENING DARFUR SITUATION

SECRETARY-GENERAL GRAVELY CONCERNED BY WORSENING DARFUR SITUATION

The following statement is attributable to the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the worsening situation in Darfur.  The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) reports banditry, looting, inter-tribal fighting, clashes allegedly between Sudan Liberation Movement rebels and tribes, attacks on civilians -- destroying wells, which are essential to their livelihood, and forcing thousands more people to leave their homes in addition to the 2 million already displaced -- and a further increase in the number of attacks and robberies committed against humanitarian workers.  Once again, the Secretary-General calls on all parties to respect their agreements and the provisions of international humanitarian law.

He also urges them to make serious efforts to reach a political settlement in the Abuja peace talks before the end of the year.  He notes with pleasure that the Sudanese Government delegation to the talks now includes members of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, and hopes that the Government will apply to Darfur the same principles that made possible the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.  He also urges the Security Council and the donor community to give close attention to the situation in Darfur, and to do everything possible to assist and strengthen the African Union Mission deployed on the ground.

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For information media • not an official record