CFSP Statement
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the resumption of the Abuja talks

Date of release : 29-06-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

The European Union welcomes the resumption of African Union-led talks on 10 June and urges the government of Sudan and the rebel groups to maintain the momentum of the Abuja talks and to reach a political solution to the conflict in Darfur as a matter of immediate priority. The European Union will continue to follow closely the negotiations in Abuja.

In this respect, the European Union reiterates its call upon all parties to the conflict to scrupulously respect the cease-fire agreement and urges all sides to be represented in Abuja at the highest possible level, and to negotiate in good faith. The European Union fully supports the African Union mediation and welcomes the appointment of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim as the African Union Special Envoy for the Inter-Sudanese Political Talks on Darfur. The European Union urges the parties to fully cooperate with the African Union mediation team. The European Union recalls that, under Security Council Resolution 1591, sanctions can be taken by the sanctions’ Committee particularly against those obstructing the peace process.

The European Union will continue to provide the African Union with full support for its expanded mission in Darfur. The European Union urges the government of Sudan and the rebel groups to cooperate fully with the African Union monitoring mission and to refrain from obstructing the work of humanitarian organizations in order to ensure a secure and stable environment.

The European Union is committed to peace throughout Sudan and calls on the Government of Sudan and the Eastern Front to cease all attacks in the East and to urgently reach a political settlement.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Country Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.