The Council Of European Union Conclusions On Sudan And South Sudan Brussels, 22 July 2013
FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting The Council adopted the following conclusions: 23 July 2013 "1. Two years on since the independence of South Sudan, the European Union (EU) remains convinced that Sudan and South Sudan must co-exist peacefully as two viable states. The EU believes that the Addis Agreements of 27 September 2012 must be fully implemented without further delay or preconditions; failure to do so would have serious implications for the viability of both states. In this context, the EU calls on the Governments of both Sudan and South Sudan to prevent any support going to rebels in the other country and to comply with the agreed Safe Demilitarised Border Zone. The EU urges the Government of Sudan to continue to maintain the free flow of South Sudan's oil exports. The EU encourages the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to recover the spirit of cooperation they exhibited in past months and to cooperate fully with the African Union (AU) and the Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to resolve current difficulties. 2. The AU High Level Implementation Panel led by former President Mbeki continues to play an invaluable role in the peace process. The EU urges the Parties to engage with the Panel to resolve the remaining outstanding issues including the final status of Abyei and border-related issues. The EU will continue to support the efforts of the Panel and looks forward to the renewal of its mandate. 3. The EU remains deeply concerned by the long-running conflict in Darfur and the ongoing conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions of Sudan. Military action is not a solution to these conflicts which continue to cause enormous human suffering and new displacements. The EU urges all parties to grant immediate humanitarian access to all affected population groups, to come to the negotiating table to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and work towards a lasting political solution. The EU recalls the responsibility of the Government of Sudan to protect all its civilians and the obligation of all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law. The EU calls on the Government of Sudan to end the culture of impunity and to ensure that all perpetrators of violence are held accountable. The EU encourages the United Nations-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to use all available resources to discharge its protection of civilians mandate. The EU strongly condemns the recent attacks on UNAMID peacekeepers. 4. The EU supports the promotion by the AU of a holistic approach to the quest for peace in Sudan. The EU believes that a long-term solution to all Sudan's internal conflicts would be assisted by a genuinely inclusive national dialogue, including representatives of civil society, the Government, opposition parties and the armed movements to pave the way for national reconciliation and democratic reforms. This should take place in a conducive environment with respect for peace and basic freedoms. 5. The EU is gravely concerned by the violent conflict in South Sudan's Jonglei state and the alarming reports of human rights violations against civilians. The EU recalls the responsibility of the Government of South Sudan to protect all its citizens and urges the Government to hold accountable those who have committed abuses, including members of the security forces. The EU calls on all parties to allow immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected population groups, to desist from further violence and to seek a political solution. In the meantime the EU welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and it encourages UNMISS to use all available resources to discharge fully its protection of civilians and human rights mandate. 6. The EU encourages the Government of South Sudan to demonstrate its commitment to national reconciliation, democratic and transparent governance, including the fight against corruption and respect for human rights as the core of its vision for the future. It welcomes South Sudan's commitment to work with international partners on a New Deal Compact. Ratification of the Cotonou Agreement would lay the foundation for a long-term development partnership with the EU. 7. The EU is concerned by access restrictions for international humanitarian agencies and organisations in conflict-affected areas of Sudan and South Sudan. It reiterates its call on the Governments of Sudan and of South Sudan, as well as on armed groups operating in both countries, to allow timely, full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all populations in need, in line with international humanitarian principles. 8. The EU stands ready, together with the international community, to support Sudan and South Sudan's efforts towards national reconciliation and inclusive national dialogue, and to cooperate with both countries in areas of mutual interest. " Posted in: Foreign Relations, Governance, Press Releases -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. 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