SUDAN: The EU yesterday called for sanctions against Sudan if it does not halt the conflict in the Darfur region, where a million refugees are at risk from hunger and disease.
Foreign ministers meeting in Brussels warned the Khartoum government to keep its promise to rein in militias and improve security and access for international relief efforts.
They also agreed to send a team to Darfur to assess what logistical and other support the EU could provide for a 360-strong African Union team, the sole independent military force in the region.
EU ministers issued a statement calling on the UN security council to consider sanctions if Sudan "does not immediately fulfil its obligations".
At yesterday's meeting, EU ministers expressed alarm at reports of "massive human rights violations" by the Janjaweed, "including systematic rape of women". The Khartoum government was told to ensure that these cease "with immediate effect", or face "further steps".