Sudan must protect both aid workers and AU peacekeepers

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Oct 10 urged the international community to keep up the pressure on both the Sudan government and rebel groups to respect their April 2004 ceasefire and work for a political solution to the conflict.

He said it was Sudan's duty to protect both aid workers and AU peacekeepers on its territory, even if it was rebels who were responsible for the hostage-taking.

"A firm stand must be taken by the government," he said.
- - -

Update Oct 13:
African solutions to African problems

NATO Secretary General speech Oct 13 at the Egyptian Council on Foreign Affairs - excerpt: "Over the past few months, we have also seen broad, international engagement with respect to the terrible crisis on Darfur, and here as well, the Alliance has made a significant contribution. In response to a request by the African Union, NATO, together with the European Union, has already helped to airlift several thousands of African Union peacekeeping troops to the region. In addition, the Alliance is training African Union troops in running a multinational military headquarters and managing intelligence. Why are we doing this? Because we want to help implement African solutions to African problems."

Tags: Darfur Sudan ICC NATO European Union Egyptian Council Egypt