19 February 2008 -- "The Secretary-General is extremely concerned by the renewed violence in West Darfur, and notes in particular that the bombing on 18-19 February of Aro Sharow, a camp for internally displaced persons which was deserted during hostilities over the last several days, is unacceptable," said a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York.

Additional reports from Darfur indicating that Government and militia forces are amassing in the Jebel Moun area of West Darfur are a worrying sign that there will be continued hostilities in the area. In addition to putting the lives of innocent civilians at risk, the ongoing violence significantly reduces the humanitarian community’s access to those in need of life-saving assistance.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties to urgently cease hostilities and commit to the political process being led by the Special Envoys of the United Nations and African Union. A negotiated settlement to the Darfur conflict cannot take place amid continuing violence and the massive displacement of civilians.