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Sudan

British Minister for African Affairs announces aid package for Sudan worth US $200 million

The British State Minister for African Affairs, Baroness Kinnock, said in a press conference held in Juba on Tuesday, that observers from the European Union are ready to monitor all stages of the upcoming elections in Sudan. The minister added that a decision is expected to be made soon. Meanwhile, Kinnock affirmed Britain's commitment to assist Sudan and provide 200 million US dollars in aid, half of which will be assigned to humanitarian aid and the elections. She said that Britain supports the report of the African Panel on Darfur, regarding the situation in the region.

Baroness Kinnock is on a three day visit to Sudan. During her trip, the Baroness has urged for more international engagement and greater interest from the international community to ensure that violence will not derail the presently "fragile" Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed five years ago.

Escalating violence in southern Sudan has prompted fears of insecurity, particularly with April's elections closing in.

The British minister emphasized the need to promote peace through dialogue and during her trip in Sudan expressed confidence in a 'peaceful general elections'. She emphasized a peaceful electoral process can be fostered through dialogue and not violence.