UNITED NATIONS, May 9 (UPI) -- Speakers at a special U.N. Security Council meeting urged concerned parties to maintain pressure on resolving the Darfur conflict and stabilizing the region.
On the heels of Friday's peace agreement and only a day after refugees attacked and killed an African Union aid worker, ministers and United Nations officials Tuesday spoke passionately of the still-embattled and unstable western Sudan region and its nearly two million needy refugees.
"This is not a moment for anyone to bask in congratulations or rest on their hands," said U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. "Darfur is still far from being at peace, as the events of yesterday have so tragically reminded us; there is a vast amount to be done, and no time to lose."
Annan referred to a Monday incident at Kalma Camp in which refugees demonstrating for intervention turned violent, lunging at an Oxfam worker traveling with United Nations humanitarian envoy Jan Egeland before sacking an African Union compound and killing a Sudanese interpreter.
"The humanitarian situation is getting worse ... (and) it is time for the international community to rally to Darfur's security and humanitarian needs," said British Foreign Minister Margaret Beckett. "For the first time in three long hard years of war the people of Darfur have some hope. Let us resolve today not to let them down."
At least 200,000 have been killed since violence flared in summer 2003, and a 7,000-strong African Union force has struggled to establish some security since last year.
"This was an important signal from the international community that we support the peace agreement," said U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, acknowledging AU forces and the World Food Program were in dire need of assistance. "Everybody now recognizes that this needs to be implemented."
