Press Release
27 February 2008
Joint statement by the Secretary of State for International Development and
Foreign Secretary condemning the violence in West Darfur
The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, and the Secretary of State for
International Development, Douglas Alexander, today expressed their deep concern
about continued reports of ongoing violence in West Darfur.
The Foreign Secretary said:
"The recent fighting in West Darfur has had a devastating impact on the lives
of innocent Darfuris. The UK shares the widespread international concern at the
appalling suffering that this fighting has caused. I am particularly concerned
by reports of aerial bombardment by Government of Sudan forces, in contravention
of UN Security Council Resolutions, and of violence by the Justice and Equality
Movement, led by Khalil Ibrahim, and militia.
This further fighting comes on the heels of violence in Chad and across the
Darfur-Chad border that has caused a worsening in the humanitarian situation in
Chad. I reiterate calls on both Governments to cease support for each other's
rebel groups.
The latest violence in West Darfur underlines the need for the speedy
deployment of UNAMID, to protect civilians, and for a comprehensive political
settlement. I urge all UN members to support this work, and for the
international community, including the Security Council, to keep focused on this
issue."
The Secretary of State for International Development said:
"Reports of civilian casualties, and tens of thousands more displaced, and
cut off from humanitarian assistance are deeply distressing. I join the United
Nations Secretary-General and others in calling on all parties to act now to
stop the violence, to allow immediate humanitarian access to the affected areas,
and to respect their responsibility under international humanitarian law to
protect civilians.
The United Kingdom will continue to work closely with the UN and others in
providing humanitarian assistance to Darfur."
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