Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Khartoum (Fides Service) - While in Abuja, Nigeria negotiations between the Sudanese government and the two rebel movements in Darfur, the international community is discussing measures to be taken with regard to Khartoum.
“This is not yet the time to impose sanctions on the government of Sudan,” said Jan Pronk, special representative for Sudan of the secretary general of the United Nations Organisation, Kofi Annan. “Sanctions must be seen as a last resource,” said Pronk adding that he was in favour of massive sending observers to Darfur to monitor the cease-fire and prevent any more violence on civilians. Previously the United Nations had given Khartoum until 30 August to take concrete steps to protect the people in Darfur.
The African Union sent a contingent of 300 soldiers from different African countries to protect 120 observers sent to monitor the cease-fire.
The United States intends to propose a UN Security Council resolution expected to call for sanctions on Khartoum. On 22 July the US Congress approved a resolution, which declared, that what is happening in Darfur is genocide. The resolution was unanimously approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate (see Fides 23 July 2004).
The European Union now also threatens sanctions on Khartoum, including blocking the purchase of Sudanese oil. The EU had already suspended a 60 million dollar programme of aid for Sudan.
Talks in Abuja, called thanks to mediation by the African Union, must solve the tricky problem of the disarmament of the various armed groups in Darfur. The two local rebel movements, Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement say they will only de-mobilise after the pro-government Janjaweed militia have been disarmed. But the government insists that disarmament must be simultaneous. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2004, righe 32 parole 367)
