SECRETARY-GENERAL GRAVELY CONCERNED AT RECENT FIGHTING IN NORTH DARFUR

 

The following statement was issued yesterday, 25 May, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by recent fighting between Government forces and the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), in the area of Umm Baru, North Darfur.  Noting that this clash was reportedly initiated by the JEM, the Secretary-General condemns such military action, which puts civilian lives directly at risk and which seriously undermines efforts to achieve a peaceful end to the conflict in Darfur.  The Secretary-General further reminds both the Government of the Sudan and the JEM of the commitment they made in Doha on 17 January 2009, to settle the conflict between them through peaceful negotiation.  In this regard, the Secretary-General calls on both the Government and the JEM to suspend military action and apply themselves fully to achieving a negotiated, inclusive and lasting resolution to the conflict.

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For information media • not an official record