(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-10 00:43

BRUSSELS -- The European Union called on Thursday for full and unconditional cessation of hostilities as well as for immediate implementation of the ceasefire in Darfur, western Sudan, which must be respected by all concerned parties.

In a statement on behalf of the EU, Portugal, which holds the EU rotating six-month presidency, said the EU called on the government of Sudan and all the rebel movements to fully engage in the African Union (AU)/United Nations-led political process.

The EU welcomed the outcome of the Arusha meeting on peace for Darfur, which assembled leading personalities from movements involved in the Darfur conflict which are not signatory to the peace agreement.

"Securing agreement on a common position among these movements is a crucial step forward and an essential building block for final talks to take place two-three months from now," said the statement.

At the end of the Arusha meeting in Tanzania, rebel factions in Darfur agreed Monday to adopt a common negotiating position and resume peace talks with the government within three months.

The EU praised the AU/UN leadership for achieving an outcome that "further boosts the prospects for peace in Darfur," adding that the countries in the region also played a pivotal role in making progress on the Darfur crisis.

Meanwhile, it said the UN Security Council's decision to deploy the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur provides further political impetus to the current positive momentum.

Furthermore, the EU also stressed it was important that the peace process takes into account the concerns of all the people in Darfur.

"Only by engaging those most directly affected by this crisis and by genuinely taking their priorities into account can a truly sustainable peace be achieved," said the statement.

The 27-member bloc pledged to support the AU/UN peacekeeping mission, and appealed to all interested parties to "clearly and unequivocally" demonstrate their commitment to achieving peace in Darfur.