DARFUR: HUMANITARIAN MORATORIUM EXTENDED

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002875 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/RSA, AND PRM DEPT PLS PASS TO USAID/W USAID FOR DCHA SUDAN TEAM AND AFR/SP NAIROBI FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA AND USAID/REDSO GENEVA FOR N KYLOH NAIROBI FOR SFO NSC FOR MARCHAM, MAGAN, AND SHORTLEY ADDIS ABABA ALSO FOR USAU USUN FOR MALY BRUSSELS FOR LERNER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PGOV PREF PREL SU SUBJECT: DARFUR: HUMANITARIAN MORATORIUM EXTENDED ¶1. On December 19, at a ceremony launching the UN Work Plan for 2007, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Kosti Manibe announced that the Government of National Unity (GNU) had extended the humanitarian moratorium through January 31, ¶2008. The moratorium eases requirements for visas, travel permits, and importation of relief commodities for non-governmental organizations working in Darfur, which would otherwise be subject to provisions of the Voluntary and Humanitarian Work Act of 2006. ¶2. The announcement was well received by the international community. Charge Hume made three points on behalf of the USG: he expressed appreciation for the extension, and said it would assist partners, including the United States, in addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of Darfur. Secondly, he pointed out his concerns on the deteriorating security situation in Darfur. Finally, he urged the GNU to continue to meet its commitments to preparations for the election and census without delay. HUME