Remarks on Abuja Talks

AMBASSADOR BOLTON: Let me just make a quick statement on the developments in Abuja. We are obviously very pleased at the signing of this agreement today but as Deputy Secretary Zoellick said, this is only a first step and it is not concluded even there. What this does for the American perspective is it reinforces our desire to move quickly to move to a transition to a UN-authorized peacekeeping force in Darfur and to speed up assistance for the transition strengthening AMIS during the period between now and when the UN can take over. And in particular, reinforces the need for the government of Khartoum to allow in planners from DPKO so they can do the necessary, preparatory work. Because the information that they need to find out not only applies to the transition from AMIS to UNMIS but also what they need to do to strengthen AMIS during the interim period. So recognizing that this is a very positive development in Abuja, we now would like the government of Khartoum to follow through and give the necessary visas and other arrangements to allow the UN planners to go in.

REPORTER:  (Inaudible).

AMBASSADOR BOLTON: So far there is no change in their position, but I think in light of the fact that the government of Khartoum has signed the agreement in Abuja, it is now logical in implementing it to and to get to the goal that everyone has agreed upon in principle, including the African Union, to facilitate the transition process and facilitate the strengthening of AMIS during that transition.

REPORTER:  (Inaudible).

AMBASSADOR BOLTON:  As Deputy Secretary Zoellick said, it was the first step. And, you know, I don’t want to get beyond that here. The mission in New York now has to be to move more expeditiously than we have been able to facilitate the transfer to a UN-led peacekeeping force. And to do that, it’s kind of the critical path here, is to get those planners into the Darfur region. Okay, see y’all later.