EU commissioner calls for ceasefire in Sudan's Abyei

BRUSSELS, May 21 (Xinhua) -- An European Commission official appealed here on Wednesday to Sudanese parties to end violence in Abyei.

"I urge all parties to accept a formal ceasefire in and around Abyei," Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said in a statement.

He said that Sudan has faced a stark choice between an escalation of hostilities or working towards a lasting political solution in the spirit of and according to the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

"I welcome and encourage the efforts of all those across Sudan working to this end, including all those within the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement," Michel said.

Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced because of the fighting. Living conditions in the region are increasingly difficult with many people lacking the very basics for survival such as clean drinking water.

Michel called upon all parties to allow safe access to this area for European Commission humanitarian staff as well as workers from our humanitarian partners and other international organizations.