Press Release/Commentary by PRN posted on October 02, 2007 at 16:34:47: EST (-5 GMT)

Sudan Embassy in Washington D.C., strongly condemns the attack on the Peacekeepers WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (PRNewswire) -- A calculated attack by more than 1,000 heavily armed personnel in 30 vehicles against African Union peacekeepers underscores the urgent nature of Sudanese and international efforts to bring a unified solution to the crisis in Darfur and the nearby regions. At least 10 A.U. soldiers were killed, several others wounded and more than 50 remain unaccounted following the "deliberate and sustained attack" at the peacekeeping base in Haskanita. Remaining A.U peace keepers were promptly evacuated under the protection of the Sudanese Army. "Not only was it a flagrant violation of the ceasefire but an unconscionable crime that breaks every convention and norm of international peacekeeping," said Rodolphe Adada, political head of the hybrid force operation in Darfur. A.U. spokesperson Mr. Noureddine Mezni described the raid as a "deliberate and sustained attack," citing the complexity and organization by which it was carried out. The base was completely destroyed and looted. The embassy of the republic of the Sudan in Washington D.C. strongly condemns the attack on the peacekeepers and extends its condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the victims. "This unprovoked and vicious attack against those who have come to our nation trying to help strengthens our resolve to use all of our resources and all of our friends and allies to find ways to end the violence in Darfur and return that region to the peace and prosperity the people there deserve as our brothers and sisters," said Seif Yasin, Press & Information Counselor. The timing of the attack made clear the intentions of some rebel groups to both discourage other nations from contributing to the new peacekeeping mission for the region and to complicate and cripple upcoming peace talks set for later this month in Libya. The attack also highlights the grave threat that faces humanitarian groups working in the region to ease the suffering of the people. The mandate of the targeted A.U. base was focused on humanitarian missions and had no role with the Sudanese army or the government. "We can only hope that this horrible assault galvanizes the international community, world leaders and all those concerned for peace and stability in the region to send a strong message to the perpetrators and hold them fully accountable for this tragic incident as well as applying immense pressure on all the parties and factions to come to the negotiating table to give peace a chance," said Seif Yasin.