United Nations Radio

The month of November was characterised by violence and a marked deterioration in the security situation in Darfur. 

That's what the UN's head of Political Affairs told the Security Council on Tuesday.  Under Secretary-General Kieran Prendergast says the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) is thought to be responsible for instigating much of the violence. And he adds that a clear message must be sent to the SLA to stop military actions, some of which appear deliberately intended to provoke retaliation.

"The international community must send an unequivocal message to all Sudanese parties that violence and hostile military actions, particularly after the signing of the Abuja Protocols, are not an acceptable means to achieve political gains. Equal pressure must be exerted on all sides to abide by their commitments."

Mr. Prendergast says there's concern that some elements on both sides to the North-South negotiations could see an interest in undermining the chances of concluding a comprehensive peace agreement.