European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has expressed concerns on the ongoing violence in Sudan's Darfur region.
"We are profoundly disturbed by the ongoing escalation of fighting and widespread displacement of civilians in Darfur," Xinhua quoted her as saying in a joint statement with EU's Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva and Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs.
With increased conflict in North and South Darfur involving the Sudanese Armed Forces, militias, rebels as well as inter-tribal clashes, an estimated 215,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2014, the statement said.
"We reiterate our appeal to the government of Sudan and all groups involved in the conflict to re-double their efforts to reach a settlement through dialogue," Ashton said.