US condemns Sudan attack on hospital

WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (KUNA) -- The US late Tuesday expressed its condemnation of the bombing of a charity hospital by the Sudanese army in South Kordofan state, and urged Khartoum to end its use of violence against ethnic minorities in the country.
"The United States strongly condemns the January 20 aerial bombing of the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital in Frandala, Southern Kordofan by the Sudan Armed Forces," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.
"Targeted attacks by the Government of Sudan against civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict zones demonstrate the government's disregard for the wellbeing of its people and its international obligations," she added.
Last week's bombing wounded two people, and the hospital was damaged, but nobody was killed, Doctors Without Borders affirmed.
"The United States reiterates its call upon the Government of Sudan to halt its campaigns of armed violence against its own citizens.
These attacks further undermine the enormous humanitarian response needed to support those who require basic life-saving services," Psaki said.
She also reaffirmed the Obama Administration's commitment to the Sudanese people through its provision of USD 297.5 million in humanitarian aid in 2014 and 2015 so far.
"Increased government military activity in 2014 resulted in a sharp escalation in civilian casualties, increased displacement, damage to public infrastructure, prevention of agricultural production, and exacerbation of an already critical humanitarian situation," Psaki said.
The violence and resulting humanitarian crisis now affects more than 1.7 million people, and has resulted in nearly 265,000 Sudanese refugees to flee to South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, she said. (end) ys.hb