Neyts calls for EU action on Darfur 

BERLIN: MEP Annemie Neyts has said that EU member states should “put up or shut up” over Darfur.

Speaking at the opening session of the annual congress of the ELDR, of which she is president, Neyts said that EU countries were “not being serious” in their approach to the conflict in Africa.

“Member states have been calling for action on Darfur, but now that it looks like there will be some acion, through the joint UN-African Union force, they are reluctant to provide the necessary cash and troops.”

“We need to follow our declarations with actions. If we are not willing to act, we should shut up.”

“But if we do that, then we will have no right to criticise the US when it acts unilaterally for its own ends, or when Russia treats the EU with barely concealed contempt.”

“Or when we want to persuade India or China to use their power and influence in places such as Burma.”

She said that the time of wrangling over internal EU issues must come to an end – as she hoped it would with the backing of the reform treaty by EU leaders in Portugal.

“The EU can ill afford to retreat from the world,” she said.

“It would be irresponsible to allow the Darfur mission to go ahead without the necessary resources, financial or otherwise.”

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