Press statement on Sudan by Security Council President

Following is today’s press statement on Sudan by Security Council President John Danforth (United States):

Members of the Security Council are deeply concerned about the findings of the Secretary General’s report on the situation in Sudan (S/2004/881) and the deterioration in the security and humanitarian situation confirmed in today’s briefing by the Secretary General´s Special Representative, Jan Pronk.

Members of the Security Council join the Secretary-General in expressing concern about the Government of Sudan’s forced relocations of internally displaced persons in Otash, Old Sharief and New Sharief.  These relocations are contrary to Security Council resolutions 1556 (2004) and 1564 (2004).  Members of the Security Council reiterate their call on the Government of the Sudan to cease all forcible relocations of civilians, to return those removed November 2 to whence they were removed, and to allow humanitarian relief workers immediate access to all internally displaced camps.

Members of the Security Council also condemn ongoing violations of international human rights and humanitarian law such as attacks on civilians, sexual violence and hostage-taking that are being perpetrated in Darfur by all parties including the Government of the Sudan, rebel groups, and the Janjaweed militias.

Members of the Security Council reiterate their support for the leadership role of the African Union in the Darfur crisis, welcome the decision of the African Union to enlarge its mission to Darfur, and urge all parties in the conflict to cooperate fully with the African Union to ensure a secure and stable environment.

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