SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES PROFOUND REGRET AT DEATH OF SUDAN’S FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT, JOHN GARANG, IN 30 JULY HELICOPTER CRASH

Security Council

5245th Meeting (AM)

SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES PROFOUND REGRET AT DEATH OF SUDAN ’S FIRST

VICE-PRESIDENT, JOHN GARANG, IN 30 JULY HELICOPTER CRASH

Presidential Statement Calls for Calm, Trusts Sudanese Will

Continue to Implement Peace Agreement for Which He Worked Unstintingly

The Security Council expressed its profound regret today over the death of John Garang de Mabior, First Vice-President of Sudan, in a helicopter crash on 30 July 2005 and offered its sympathy and condolences to his family, as well as to the Government and people of Sudan.

In a statement read out by Kenzo Oshima (Japan), Council President for August, the Council called on all Sudanese to honour Mr. Garang’s memory by restoring peace and calm throughout the country, trusting that, despite his sudden death, they remained united and continued to work for the consolidation of peace by implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for which he had worked unstintingly.  The Council stressed that Mr. Garang’s death should not deter the struggle of the Sudanese people for justice and dignity.

The Council reiterated its determination to assist the Sudanese people in its efforts to promote national reconciliation, restore peace and stability throughout the country and to build a prosperous and united Sudan.  The Council looked to the international community to continue its support for the people of Sudan to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, resolve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and to build a prosperous and united Sudan.

At the outset of the meeting, the President expressed the Council’s sympathy and condolences to the people and Government of Saudi Arabia on the passing of King Fahd bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, noting that the late ruler had devoted himself wholeheartedly both to the service of his country and to the promotion of peace and understanding in his region and internationally.  He asked the Saudi representative to convey the Council’s sentiments to the royal family, as well as to the Government and people of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting began at 11:55 a.m. and ended at 12 noon.

Presidential Statement

The full text of Presidential Statement S/PRST/2005/38 reads as follows:

“The Security Council expresses its profound regret over the death of First Vice-President of Sudan Dr. John Garang de Mabior in a helicopter crash on 30 July 2005.  The Security Council offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Dr. Garang and to the people and Government of the Republic of Sudan.

“This is a time for the world community to come together to support Dr. Garang’s vision of a united and peaceful Sudan.  The Security Council commends the perseverance and commitment which the parties in Sudan demonstrated in achieving the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the promise of a new future.  Over the last few years, Dr. Garang’s courageous efforts were instrumental in ending the over 21-year civil war that cost the lives of millions of Sudanese.  His leadership offered hope of democracy and peace for all people of Sudan.

“The Security Council calls on all Sudanese to honour his memory by restoring peace and calm throughout Sudan.  The Security Council trusts that, despite the sudden death of Dr. Garang, the people of Sudan remain united and continue to work for the consolidation of peace in the country by implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for which Dr. Garang worked unstintingly.

“The Security Council stresses that the death of Dr. Garang should not deter the struggle of the Sudanese people for justice and dignity; and encourages the people of Sudan to refrain from violence and maintain peace in the midst of mourning.

“The Security Council reiterates its determination to assist the Sudanese people in their efforts to promote national reconciliation, resolve the conflicts in Darfur and restore peace and stability throughout the country, and to build a prosperous and united Sudan.

“The Security Council looks to the international community to continue its support for the people of Sudan to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, and to proceed with the reconstruction and rehabilitation process.”

* *** *

For information media • not an official record