Malaysia Calls For All Parties In Sudan To Cease Attacks In Darfur

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has called for all parties in Sudan to immediately cease all attacks on civilians, humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel in Darfur. Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations Siti Hajjar Adnin said Malaysia was deeply concerned at the security situation in Darfur, as reflected by the escalation in fighting between the Sudan armed forces and the armed groups, the inter-communal conflicts and incidents of banditry and criminality. She said according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the escalation in conflict has resulted in an increase of 130,000 new an internally displaced persons (IDP) especially in the Jebel Marra area. "We wish to remind all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. We further hold the view that the perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable," she said in a statement at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Sudan and South Sudan, in New York on Monday. Her statement was faxed to Bernama here, Tuesday. Siti Hajjar said Malaysia was also concerned that United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) continues to face restrictions of movement, denials of access and attacks against its personnel. She said Malaysia also called on the government of Sudan to expeditiously investigate and act accordingly regarding the numerous reported Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) violations. "We commend UNAMID, in light of these challenges, of being steadfast and resolute in striving to achieve its strategic objectives," she added. She said Malaysia was convinced that there is no military solution to the conflict in Darfur and condemn any actions aimed at the forced overthrow of the government of Sudan. "We encourage the government of Sudan to relaunch direct negotiations with the parties to the conflict and further encourage the parties to return to the negotiation table and to engage constructively. As regards the inter-communal and inter-tribal conflicts, we encourage the government of Sudan to look into and effectively address the root causes of the disputes," she said. She added Malaysia was of the view that efforts by the Sudan government to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and their commitment to hold those responsible for violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law accountable would contribute positively towards building trust and confidence. --BERNAMA