EUHR Solana expresses grave concern about the recent violence in Dafur (Sudan)

Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), was shocked to learn of reports about the bombing of the village of Rahad Kabolong in North Darfur State on 26th of January, where some 100 civilians, among them many women and children, were reportedly killed. This ruthless attack on civilians, apparently carried out by the Sudanese Air Force, happened only a day after the visit of Vice-President Ali Osman al-TAHA, who had reassured the High Representative about the Government of Sudan's determination to pursue the path of peaceful conflict resolution and, in particular, to respect the humanitarian and security protocols signed at Abuja. The bombing of Rahad Kabolong, which is one of the most serious violations of the cease-fire since it was signed on 8th April in N'djamena, goes against the commitments of the Vice-President and the Sudanese Government.

The High Representative condemns this attack in the strongest terms and reiterates that the evolution of EU-Sudan relations will depend on the actual delivery of the commitments made by the Government of Sudan, not only on its public statements. Mr Solana therefore urges the Government of Sudan to fully cooperate with the African Union in investigating the circumstances of the bombing of Rahad Kabolong, and to take firm action against those found responsible for this attack, at all levels of command.

Furthermore, the High Representative repeats his call to all belligerents in Darfur to rigorously abide by the cease-fire and to avoid any provocation that could lead to further violence and displacement of people, and might also hamper the delivery of humanitarian assistance. He also calls upon the rebel groups to send fully mandated leaders to the next round of the Abuja talks so as to enable the negotiations to make substantive progress.

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• EU Presidency declaration on Darfur (Sudan) (7/2/2005)
• GAERC - Council Conclusions on Dafur (Sudan) (31/1/2005)
• EC is 'deeply concerned' about abduction of three aid workers in Sudan (28/1/2005)
• EC strongly condemns recent violence in Darfur (Sudan) (28/1/2005)
• EUHR Solana met Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman AL-TAHA (25/1/2005)
• EU Presidency declaration on Sudan  (11/1/2005)
• Commission welcomes signing of the Sudan peace agreement (10/1/2005)
• EUHR Solana appeals for rapid implementation of the peace agreement between the Sudan and the SPLM-A (7/1/2005)