Norway condemns the killing and kidnapping of AU observers in Darfur, Sudan

“I strongly condemn the killing of three soldiers and two other members of the African Union Monitoring Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in Darfur on 8 October.We also condemn the kidnapping on 9 October of 38 observers from the AMIS force in Darfur,” said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen.

“I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Darfur during the past few weeks,” said Mr Petersen. “All the parties to the conflict must immediately stop staging such attacks and co-operate with the AU in order to ensure that the civilian population receives the help they need. The Sudanese authorities have a particular responsibility for the security of the people and the relief workers in the country,” he emphasised.

The Foreign Minister also pointed out that Norway is participating in the AU-led negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, on a political solution to the conflict in Darfur, and urged the parties in the negotiations to step up their efforts reach an agreement as soon as possible that will put an end to the conflict.