Foreign Secretary comments on violence in Southern Kordofan, Sudan
Foreign Secretary William Hague: "I continue to call on all parties to agree an immediate cessation of hostilities."
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“I am shocked by reports from Southern Kordofan, including accounts of indiscriminate aerial bombardment by the Sudanese Armed Forces and reports of individuals being targeted on the basis of their ethnicity or political affiliation. These allegations need to be investigated fully, with those responsible facing justice.”
“I condemn the lack of access for humanitarian agencies and the detention of five UN staff members in contravention of the Status of Forces agreement. All parties should grant full and unconditional humanitarian access and the Sudanese Government should release the UN staff immediately.”
“Events in the next few days will have long-term implications for the peace and stability of Sudan. I continue to call on all parties to agree an immediate cessation of hostilities and to use the good offices of former President Mbeki to achieve a peaceful, long-term settlement in Southern Kordofan.”