Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy, has condemned this evening, an attack on the EU ambassador to Sudan, Aidan O'Hara at his home in Khartoum last night.
He says that every effort must be made by host countries and representative States, to protect diplomats in conflict zones. In recent days, there have been reports of escalating clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which Deputy Carthy said, "was a cause of grave concern".
Speaking to Northern Sound, the Cavan Monaghan TD highlighted how the health and wellbeing of the Ambassador - in the aftermath of the attack - was now deemed to be 'okay'. He added that the attack served to underscore the fragility of the situation which has seen nearly 200 people killed and some 1.800 wounded.
"The responsibility for the protection of diplomats rests primarily with the Government of the host country. It is also important that the Irish Government and the European Union ensure that these situations are closely monitored so that all efforts are utilised to protect our representatives in conflict zones such as Sudan.
"The current unrest does not serve the interests of the Sudanese people and what is now needed is a cessation of all hostilities to facilitate the resumption of talks in support of a permanent transition to democratic administration," said Deputy Carthy.
