EU Presidency Statement on the situation in South Sudan

Press release 505/2006
2 December, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union condemns the clashes which have recently re-erupted in the town of Malakal in South Sudan and are reported to be heaviest since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005. The Presidency regrets the loss of life and calls for an immediate cessation of the hostilities, which seriously undermine the CPA.

The Presidency is concerned that the confrontation could pose a serious threat to the overall peace process in Sudan. The Presidency urges the political leadership in Khartoum and Juba to defuse any tensions that may occur and to give firm instructions to their forces to respect the cease-fire and their commitments to the CPA. The Presidency underlines the need to investigate the incidents in Malakal so as to ensure an appropriate political and, if required, disciplinary follow-up. The Presidency stresses that peace can only be promoted through dialogue and not by use of force.