The Norwegian Government has received an alarming report from the United Nations World Food Programme today 21 February, which gives an account of an attack by the Sudan Government on Wednesday 20 February on a UN food distribution centre in Bieh, Upper Nile, Southern Sudan.

The Norwegian Government will in the strongest possible terms condemn this attack by a Sudan government gunship on civilians, and point out that this is not a single incident, but rather an alarming pattern of behaviour. Such deliberate attacks on civilian population about to receive humanitarian assistance is by all standards a violation of humanitarian principles. The Norwegian Government will strongly urge the Sudan Government to uphold its agreements with the United Nations on the humanitarian operation in Sudan, and to respect the humanitarian principles underlying such assistance to the population. The Sudan Government is urged to take firm actions against those responsible for these attacks.

The Norwegian Government is at the same time deeply concerned about the effects this attack may have on the peace process in Sudan, which seemed to be at a promising stage. A window of opportunity has been opened in the peace process, especially as a result of the agreement on the humanitarian cease fire in the Nuba mountains and other agreements between the fighting parties. The Norwegian Government will strongly urge the parties to the conflict, and especially the Sudan Government, not to undermine the peace process by such destructive actions.