UN chief calls for respect of humanitarian operations in eastern Chad

Source: Xinhua | 05-07-2009 08:04

UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all parties on Wednesday to respect the humanitarian character of the operations of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations in eastern Chad.

Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson that he is following developments in eastern Chad with increasing concern.

He appealed to parties to refrain from deploying forces in areas where humanitarian operations are under the protection of UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) forces.

"Any attempt at destabilization through violent means is unacceptable," Ban said in the statement, and reaffirmed that MINURCAT will act within its mandate and capabilities to protect civilians threatened by armed elements.

He also asked all states in the region to prevent their territories and nationals from being used to aid armed groups.

The secretary-general urged the governments of Chad and Sudan to bridge their differences using diplomatic and other peaceful means available to them and to redouble their efforts to implement the agreement signed Sunday in Qatari capital of Doha to end hostility.

Sudan and Chad have agreed to end hostilities and to set up a summit following the Doha talks, which started Thursday under sponsorship of Qatar and Libya.

The relations between the two neighboring African countries have been in tension due to the conflict in Darfur and a civil war in Chad, which both governments accuse the other of supporting. They resumed diplomatic ties in November after a six-month breakup.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei