Date of release : 23-05-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : General Affairs and External Relations Council

European Ministers for Foreign Affairs addressed the situation in Sudan at the "General Affairs and External Relations" Council held on 23 May 2005. Jean Asselborn, current president of the Council of the EU, issued the following statement:

"In the discussion we had on Sudan we emphasized that the EU would continue its commitment to the return of peace and development.

We hope that the transition process in Sudan will be inclusive and encompass all political forces and all marginalized regions.

We reiterated our concern in respect of the continuation of violence in Darfur and strongly urged all parties in attendance to fully commit to the search for a resolution to the conflict.

We also addressed the issue of EU support for AMIS (African Union Mission in Sudan) in order for the EU to be in a position to propose substantial, global and unique contributions at the conference of donors to be held in Addis Ababa on Thursday 26 May. The competent authorities of the Council have already commenced work on the different methods of such support, notably on the level of planning, logistics, equipment, strategic and tactical air transport, reinforcing the AU’s monitoring capability, and training. The ministers of defense have also addressed this issue."