New York - Both the UN Security Council and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the flare-up in fighting by Chadian armed groups in eastern Chad, which attacked border areas and the European Union peacekeeping troops.

The council condemned all attempts at destabilizing Chad and reiterated its support for that country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.

"The Security Council conveys deep concern at the direct threat the activity of armed groups pose for the safety of the civilian population and the conduct of humanitarian operations and urged all parties to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law," the council said in a statement after studying the situation in Chad.

Ban also voiced similar remarks, saying that the fighting may worsen the humanitarian situation.

The council said it fully supports its mission in Chad and the EU operations in Chad and Central African Republic, which were deployed to protect the vulnerable civilian population. It urged the Chadian government to promote political dialogue with armed opposition groups.

The armed Chadian groups, which are trying to overthrow Chadian President Idriss Derby, on Saturday attacked the border town of Goz Beida where tens of thousands of refugees from Darfur have taken refuge and they also opened fire on EU forces, which are there to protect the refugees. (dpa)