BEIJING, Jan. 26 -- The European Commission and the Sudanese government have signed the EC's Country Strategy Paper for Sudan, promising to offer Sudan a package of 450 million euros financial aid. 

    European Commissioner for Development Louis Michel says following the signature of the paper, a quick disbursement
program of 50 million euros will be launched, as an immediate peace dividend, benefiting equally north and south Sudan.

    On Jan. 9, the Sudanese government and the southern rebel group signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, ending 21 years of war between the south and the north.

    As the EC is now casting its eyes on western Sudan of Darfur, the paper said if progress is made in Darfur, the aid package will be used to safeguard the delivery of food aid, for education, internal refugees and to build up Sudanese administrative institutions.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)