Cablegate: Darfur: Humanitarian Moratorium Extended

VZCZCXRO8965
OO RUEHGI RUEHMA RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #2875 3531511
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191511Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5606
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA PRIORITY

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

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