[allAfrica.com] [Africa_2004] EU Steps Into Darfur Crisis Inter Press Service (Johannesburg) NEWS August 24, 2004 Posted to the web August 24, 2004 By Stefania Bianchi Brussels The European Union is beginning to take action over the human rights crisis in Darfur ahead of the Aug. 29 United Nations deadline to the Sudanese government. Adviser to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Pieter Feith said after a fact-finding mission to Sudan early August that Sudan did not present a genocide situation. That led to an EU reluctance to intervene. But EU leaders have now stepped into peace negotiations. Swedish ambassador to Nigeria Sten Rylander is representing the EU at talks in Abuja between the Khartoum government and rebel groups, but he has acknowledged that his role may be limited. "I hope to contribute as much as I can, but it is important to recognise that it is the African Union that is mediating," he told the German news agency Deutsche Presse- Agentur (DPA). As the peace talks opened in Abuja, British foreign secretary Jack Straw arrived in Darfur to visit refugees and build pressure on the Sudanese government. Straw will also meet President Omar al-Bashir to urge him to do more to end atrocities. Dutch foreign minister Bernard Bot plans to visit Sudan Sep. 9 to discuss the disarmament of Arab militias. The Netherlands currently holds EU presidency. Since the conflict began in February 2003 there have been continuing reports of human rights violations by armed militia. The UN has described Darfur as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Government-backed Arab militia known as Janjaweed are accused of killing thousands, and forcing more than a million people from their homes. The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) urged the international community in a report Monday to enforce tough sanctions against Sudanese government leaders and its lucrative oil industry. It asked for a strict arms embargo on Sudan. The report 'Darfur Deadline: A New International Action Plan' says failure to take strong measures would not only mean "many tens of thousands more dead, but is likely condemn Sudan to more years of war and further spread instability to its neighbours." The ICG says the EU and the United States need to take a tougher line. "When the Security Council revisits the Darfur issue next week, the ultimate extent of the catastrophe will be decided." The IGC has asked for strong backing to an African peacekeeping force. "The EU, the U.S. and others who have indicated a willingness to support this logistically and financially must convincingly demand that Khartoum accept and cooperate with the force." The ICG also called on the United Nations Security Council to authorise an international commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, including "systematic rape and other gender-based violence." The 53-nation African Union (AU) has sent 155 Rwandan troops to Sudan. A further 150 Nigerian troops are due to arrive this week. The AU is considering plans to boost its force to 2,000, but the ICG says about 3,000 are needed. The government in Khartoum is being pressed to disarm the Janjaweed and other militia, but the ICG report says Khartoum has so far failed to meet its commitments to "neutralise" the Janjaweed. After consistently denying accusations that it controls the Janjaweed, the Sudanese government has admitted limited influence on sections of the militia. The UN Security Council passed a resolution Jul. 30 asking the Sudanese government to take firm steps to end the violence. It is currently debating a U.S.-sponsored resolution to impose sanctions on militias and their sponsors.   =============================================================================   Copyright © 2004 Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). =============================================================================