Secretary-General seriously concerned by major escalation of violence in darfur

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is seriously concerned by the major escalation of violence in the Jebel Marra region of Darfur, particularly the heavy fighting in the Golo and Shearia areas that has forced humanitarian agencies to evacuate.  He condemns the attack by Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) forces on Golo, and calls on all parties to immediately stop all hostility.

He reiterates his call on the parties to the conflict in the strongest terms to respect their agreements and the provisions of international humanitarian law.  A lasting solution to this conflict can only be found through a negotiated settlement.

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For information media • not an official record