EU welcomes extension or UN mission mandate in Sudan

BRUSSELS, June 5 (KUNA) -- The European Union Monday welcomed the unanimous decision of the UN Security Council to extend until December the mandate of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan.
"We are pleased that the extension of the UNITAMS mandate will help ensure inclusive and coordinated regional and international action, under African leadership, to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan," said EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Nabila Massrali, in a statement.
The aim of the Mission is to assist the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, the protection and promotion of human rights, and sustainable peace, she said.
"Once again we remind the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of their obligations under international law to protect civilians and guarantee humanitarian access. Human rights violations are being monitored and documented and those responsible will be held accountable," noted the statement.
The EU urged the belligerents to cease hostilities immediately, allowing space for the resumption of a credible and inclusive political transition process.
The 27-member bloc said it will continue to work with all regional and international stakeholders, including the African Union and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan, to achieve these ends. (end) nk.gta