Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Signing of the "Darfur Plan of Action" between the Government of Sudan and the United Nations and the holding of the Darfur Peace Talks

August 12, 2004

Japan holds the view that the signing of the " Darfur Plan of Action", in response to the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1556, on August 5 between the Government of Sudan and the U.N. regarding actions to be taken within 30 days, including the control of the Arab militia (Janjaweed), is an important move toward a resolution of the conflict. Japan is concerned about the humanitarian situations in the Darfur region and calls on all the parties involved in the conflict, including the Government of Sudan, to work for bringing about positive progress toward the resolution of the conflict, in cooperation with the U.N. and the international community.
Japan also supports the mediation efforts of the African Union (AU) in this conflict and hopes that the Peace Talks between the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups, holding of which was announced by AU on August 11, will be started at an early date.

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