Government Gives Extra Two Million Euro For Darfur

This brings to €5 million the support provided by Irish Aid to the effort since 2004. 

"I am very conscious of the huge challenges which the African Union Mission continues to face in the context of the ever-deteriorating security situation in Darfur," he said.

"We also remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis still faced by nearly four million people across the region. 

"Without security we cannot access those who most need our assistance.

"More than half a million people were displaced within Darfur in 2006 which illustrates the ongoing seriousness of the humanitarian plight." 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, also underlined Ireland's commitment to achieving stability in Darfur. 

"I am pleased that Ireland is in a position to step up to the plate and to provide further financial assistance to the vital African Union Mission. 

"From my own time on the ground in Darfur, I can attest to the value of the protection role which we expect to be delivered by the [African Union] force. 

"International humanitarian assistance is reliant on a secure environment for delivery and [the African Union's] role in this regard remains critical.

"We remain strongly of the view that the Sudanese authorities should agree to the deployment of a strengthened United Nations/African Union hybrid force in Darfur, as proposed by former Secretary General Kofi Annan."

"In the meantime, it is essential to assure the African Union Mission in Sudan of the means to carry out its mandate".