Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Josep Borrell, European Foreign Policy Coordinator, said in a tweet on Twitter that the European Union welcomes the declaration of a 72-hour truce in Sudan.
He urged both parties to stick to it. "The aim of our collective efforts remains a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors to protect civilians," he added. The Sudan file was present in the discussions of the European Union's foreign ministers, which were held on Monday in Brussels
Borrell made regional and international contacts about the file of developments in the situation in Sudan, including contacts with the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the foreign ministers of a number of Arab countries and others, the last of which was with the Saudi foreign minister yesterday, as well as with officials in the United Nations, the African Union and others.
This came after the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, strongly condemned the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas in Sudan, which affected health care facilities. He called on the warring parties to stop hostilities in densely populated areas and allow humanitarian relief operations to continue without hindrance.
During a Security Council ministerial meeting on the multilateral system, the Secretary-General began by addressing the fighting in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has so far claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians and injured thousands.
Mr. Guterres stressed that the violence that began on 15 April must stop, as it "risks a catastrophic conflagration within Sudan that could spread to the entire region and beyond."
The Secretary-General reaffirmed that he is in constant contact with the parties to the conflict and called on them to de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table. "We will continue our efforts with our partners to secure a permanent cessation of hostilities as quickly as possible," he said.
Mr. Guterres informed the Security Council that he had authorized the temporary transfer of some UN staff and their families in and out of Sudan.
The Secretary-General stressed that the United Nations will not leave Sudan, affirming its commitment to the Sudanese people in support of their aspirations for a peaceful and secure future. "We stand with them at this difficult time," he said.
He stated that the United Nations is repositioning itself in Sudan to be able to continue to support the Sudanese people, by working with humanitarian organizations on the ground. He stressed the need for civilians to have access to food, water and other essential supplies, and to be able to leave combat zones.
The Secretary-General called on all members of the Council to influence the parties to end the violence, restore order, and return to the path of democratic transition.
"We must all do everything in our power to pull Sudan back from the brink," he said.