UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday strongly condemned the attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers and the African Union mission in Darfur, west Sudan, and deplored the many casualties.

"The secretary-general is alarmed at the recent escalation in violence in Darfur," UN spokesman Stephanie Dujarric told reporters. "He is concerned about the additional suffering and displacement these attacks have caused to the civilian populations. "

Dujarric said Annan was particularly appalled by Wednesday's attack on a displaced persons camp in west Darfur, during which 34 people were reported to have been killed.

"The secretary-general emphasizes the need to immediately halt the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any further escalation," the spokesman noted.

Dujarric said Annan called upon the Sudanese government to protect its civilians and to continue its efforts in bringing stability and fostering national reconciliation in the country.

The UN chief also urged the Sudanese government and the two rebel forces in Darfur to continue negotiations to seek a settlement of the conflict.

180,000 people have been killed and 2 million have been left homeless since the Darfur conflict started in February 2003, UN figures showed.

Source: Xinhua