Brussels - The Minister of State for Development, Ms Liz O'Donnell, who is due to visit Sudan from June 4th, yesterday appealed to EU Development Ministers to step up aid to the country, Patrick Smyth reports. She said that the situation in the south remained particularly grave and that, while the decision of the government to allow extra aid flights was welcome, it will need to be maintained.
Food crops would need to be planted within the next few weeks if there is to be any prospect of a harvest this year, she warned, urging the international community to play its full part in guaranteeing food security.