UN Security Council in Accra

Accra, June 18, GNA--There is need for the African Union and the United Nations Security Council to come together to push the belligerents in the Sudan's Darfur conflict to keep to their responsibilities as outlined in regional and international efforts at ending the violence.

This is necessary to improve the humanitarian situation in the war-torn region, a UN-Security Council delegation said in Accra late on Sunday.

"The AU and the Security Council have to come together to reinforce the momentum to get the military situation on the ground under control, put the forces there, accelerate the political track and make sure humanitarian relief and security of the people are delivered," said Emyr Jones Parry, UK's Ambassador to the UN, one of the two leaders of the 15-member delegation.

Parry, together with Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa, the other member of the delegation, were speaking to reporters shortly on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra as part of a five-nation Africa mission.

The delegation flew to Accra from Sudan and Ethiopia to confer with Africa Union Chairman President John Agyekum Kufuor on its mission. Members will also visit the Cote d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Parry said the delegation was hopeful of the success of its mission.

"We left Sudan encouraged by what the government told us. If the government delivers on what it says, we will make a lot of progress. But it is also the responsibility of the rebels to also play their part," he reiterated.

The meeting with President Kufuor will also seek to consolidate the success so far achieved by the Security Council and the AU, Emyr Parry added.