BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- The EU Monday expressed "deep concern" over Sudan's unity, territorial integrity and stability, saying these are "at serious risk" amid increasing political and ethnic divisions and the emergence of what it described as "parallel governing structures" that further exacerbate fragmentation.
In a statement issued following a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the European Union (EU) reaffirmed its categorical rejection of any attempt to partition Sudan.
The Council said that "the primary responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and those supporting these entities." It called on both parties to engage constructively in negotiations leading to "an immediate and sustained ceasefire" and to participate in a credible and inclusive peace process.
The Council underlined the need to "ensure rapid, unimpeded and sustainable humanitarian access across all of Sudan and the protection of civilians," as well as to "make credible commitments to facilitate genuinely inclusive, representative and independent civilian governance," and to "restore and strengthen the rule of law, accountability, respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law." The EU expressed its readiness to "increase its engagement with the parties to the conflict, provided there is credible progress towards achieving its key asks," reaffirming its determination to continue supporting the Sudanese people and to play an active role in resolving the conflict.
As co-chair of the Paris and London conferences on Sudan and its neighbouring countries, the EU reiterated its commitment to "supporting the people of Sudan and addressing the conflict in a comprehensive manner," confirming that it will remain engaged "at the highest level," speaking "with one voice", and strengthening coordination with like-minded international partners.
The statement stressed that the EU will continue to employ "the full range of foreign policy instruments at its disposal, including, where appropriate, targeted restrictive measures," to help achieve a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese crisis.
The EU reaffirmed "the inherent rights of the Sudanese people to freedom, peace, and justice," reiterating its steadfast commitment to "supporting Sudan in its efforts to preserve its unity and territorial integrity, and to achieve lasting stability, democracy, and sustainable prosperity." (end) arn.mt