Statement on the Situation Concerning Sudan

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 234 (06)

• The Secretary General’s report of 12 September 2006 shows that UNMIS and the wider United Nations system have played a key role in support of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
  
  
• The parties’ efforts to implement the CPA’s security provisions have reduced the likelihood of future conflict in Southern Sudan. While there is still much to be done, the parties have shown they can continue to resolve long-standing problems through cooperation. This has been done in an atmosphere of security buttressed by United Nations peacekeepers.
  
  
• In the coming days, it will be crucial for a similar de-escalation of conflict to occur in the Darfur area of Sudan as well.
  
  
• We deplore the ongoing violence in Darfur and the consequent deterioration of the humanitarian situation. At this critical juncture, it is imperative that the Security Council reiterate the need for the transition of AMIS to a United Nations operation consistent with resolution 1706 and with the precedent of resolution 1590.
  
  
• Just as the Government of National Unity has shown itself able to overcome decades of violence in southern Sudan through respect for the CPA and cooperation with the United Nations peacekeeping missions, so should it be prepared to ensure a better future for its citizens in Darfur through respect for the Darfur Peace Agreement, through a strengthening of the AMIS operation and through cooperation in the deployment of UNMIS forces in Darfur.
  
  
• We will circulate a draft resolution on Sudan on which we plan to convene an Experts Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 19. The draft resolution will be to renew the mandate of UNMIS, set to expire September 24, so that we can ensure continuity of UN operations in the south.
  
  
• This draft resolution will also take into consideration the expansion of UNMIS, per resolution 1706. It is critical that we expand these missions concurrently to ensure that urgent assistance to AMIS, as stipulated in resolution 1706, is not jeopardized.