EU Ambassador’s New Year message to Sudan

The Delegation of the European Union published a seasonal greeting by Ambassador Tomas Ulicny, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Sudan. “I congratulate the people of Sudan on the occasion of the Independence Day which celebrates 58 years of struggle for peace, unity and nationhood. For Sudan, 2013 was a year of many political, security and economic challenges as conflict continued in the States of Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile. 2013 brought a wave of regional instability in South Sudan and Central African Republic. It witnessed continuous economic crisis that resulted in the regrettable violence during September protests. However, 2013 also witnesses new hope in the rise of new youth and political forces in Sudan. The issue of reforms and change has decisively become the centre of the Sudanese politics which brings hope that it will result into an all-inclusive national dialogue in 2014. In 2013, the European Union has remained committed in supporting peace and development in Sudan. The European Union has continued to provide both humanitarian and development aid to Sudan. New projects launched in Darfur and East Sudan aim to achieve sustainable development. In 2014, the European Union will continue dialogue and cooperation with all its partners in Sudan. The European Union expects successful implementation of all locally-driven genuine reforms in the areas of peace, democratization, good governance and human rights which are the corner stones of stability and integrity for a peaceful and prosperous Sudan.” File photo: Ambassador Tomas Ulicny, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Sudan (EU)