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World leaders condemn violence in Nigeria
Tuesday, 02 February 2010 16:19 | 
All parties urged to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means to resolve differences
2nd February 2010: The UK, France, the US and the EU have expressed deep regret at the violence in Nigeria and called for peaceful resolution to the current religious and ethnic tensions.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, expressed deep regret at the violence in Nigeria and urged all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means to resolve differences between religious and ethnic groups in the region.
“We express our deep regret at the recent violence and tragic loss of lives in Jos, and extend our sympathies to the bereaved and injured. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means to resolve differences between religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria. We call on the Federal Government to ensure that the perpetrators of acts of violence are brought to justice and to support interethnic and interfaith dialogue,” they said in a joint statement.
They affirmed that “Nigeria is one of the most important countries in sub-Saharan Africa, a member of the UN Security Council, a global oil producer, a leader in ECOWAS, a major peacekeeping contributing country, and a stabilizing force in West Africa. Nigeria’s stability and democracy carry great significance beyond its immediate borders.”
The leaders extended their support to the people of Nigeria during the current period of uncertainty, caused by President Umaru Yar’Adua’s illness.
The president is reportedly suffering from a heart condition and has been receiving medical attention in Saudi Arabia since 23rd November 2009. His departure from Nigeria has led to concerns about a potential power vacuum and even prompted reports of his death.
“We extend our best wishes to the President and his family, and join the Nigerian people in wishing him a full recovery. Nigeria has expressed its resolve to adhere to constitutional processes during this difficult time. We commend that determination to address the current situation through appropriate democratic institutions. Nigeria’s continued commitment and adherence to its democratic norms and values are key to addressing the many challenges it faces, including electoral reform, post-amnesty programs in the Niger Delta, economic development, inter-faith discord and transparency.”
They made a commitment to continue working with Nigeria on the internal issues it faces while working together as partners on the global stage.