Halt to Oil Exploitation in Sudan Is Urged

MILAN, Italy, MAY 28, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Catholic Church officials have called for a halt to oil and mineral exploitation in Sudan which is helping to pay for weapons in the long-running civil war.

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The appeal was made Sunday at a press conference here by Bishop Cesare Mazzolari of Rumbek, Sudan, and Father Efrem Tresoldi, a Comboni missionary, whose congregation serves in the northern African nation of 35 million people. Pax Christi and other Catholic groups also joined the appeal.

The campaign was launched simultaneously in several other European cities, and has the support of the «European network» of pro-Sudan associations.

The exportation of oil from Sudan has increased since 1999, allowing for arms purchases to continue the civil war, which began in 1983.

The appeal was also made to the European Parliament, the European Union, the United Nations, and banks and foreign investors in Sudan.

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ZENIT Staff

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