31 December 2007 -- The Secretary-General is deeply concerned with the resumption of hostilities between the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and Government forces in West Darfur. He strongly condemns the attack on 29 December 2007 by JEM on Government positions in Silea, north of El Geneina, as well as JEM¦s publicly stated intention to use force to address its concerns in Darfur.

The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned with the Government¦s decision to arrest the JEM representative to the Ceasefire Commission and five other JEM members of the Commission on 30 December in El Fasher. The arrest took place on AMIS (African Union Mission in Sudan) premises.

The Secretary-General strongly urges all parties to show restraint and cease all military action in order to create a positive atmosphere for political negotiations leading to a definitive and inclusive peace agreement.