Security Council

5727^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZES DEPLOYMENT OF UNITED NATIONS-AFRICAN UNION

‘HYBRID’ PEACE OPERATION IN BID TO RESOLVE DARFUR CONFLICT

 

The Security Council authorized the deployment of a 26,000-strong joint United Nations-African Union force this afternoon, in an attempt to quell the violence in Sudan’s western Darfur region, where fighting between pro-Government militias and rebel guerrillas has killed more than 250,000 people since 2003.

By the provisions of resolution 1769 (2007), adopted unanimously by the 15-member body, the hybrid operation will be known as UNAMID and will have up to 19,555 military personnel, including 360 military observers and liaison officers, a civilian component including up to 3,772 international police and 19 special police units with up to 2,660 officers.

The Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, authorized UNAMID to take the necessary action to support implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, as well as to protect its personnel and civilians “without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan”.

According to the resolution, further details on the force’s mandate are found in paragraphs 54 and 55 of the report of the Secretary-General and the African Union Commission of 5 June (document S/2007/307/Rev.1).

Today’s resolution also called for United Nations Member States to make troop contributions within 30 days of its adoption, and on UNAMID to establish operational capabilities by October.  It also called for the force to take command of the region from the 7,000-strong African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) by the end of the year, at the latest.

Also by the text, the Council urged the Sudanese Government and all rebel groups to negotiate a permanent political settlement to the dispute in Darfur, demanding that those parties fulfil their international obligations under relevant agreements and Council resolutions.

Hailing the Council’s decision to deploy the hybrid force, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Member States must provide every support in order to meet the resolution’s ambitious goals.  Additional troops must be committed, support systems put in place and command structures established.  While Governments knew that took time, “time is not on our side”, he stressed.

The unequivocal support of the Government of Sudan was equally fundamental, he emphasized, as was that of the rebel movements.  Such support was also crucial in paving the way for negotiations and, ultimately, a peace agreement.  “We will build peace through negotiations for a political settlement, and sustain peace on the ground with our peacekeepers,” he concluded.

Members of the Security Council joined the Secretary-General in welcoming the resolution, while warning that it was only the first step in an arduous process, the ultimate goal of which was ending the suffering in Darfur and securing a lasting peace.  Most speakers also enjoined the parties, particularly the Government of Sudan, to cooperate fully with the deployment and to pursue a sincere path to a negotiated peace.

While the representative of the United States warned that failure to cooperate would have both unilateral and multilateral consequences, China’s representative emphasized that pressuring Sudan was not the resolution’s goal.  It was important that the Council’s message not be misinterpreted; the unanimity of adoption provided an important guarantee for the Darfur peace process.

The Observer for the African Union also welcomed the Council’s action, saying the resolution would strengthen the already strong ties between the regional organization and the United Nations.

Also speaking this afternoon were the representatives of the United Kingdom, France, Russian Federation, Qatar, Slovakia, Belgium, Italy, Indonesia, Ghana, South Africa and Panama.

The meeting opened at 3:25 p.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1769 (2007) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling all its previous resolutions and presidential statements concerning the situation in Sudan,

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and to the cause of peace, and expressing its determination to work with the Government of Sudan, in full respect of its sovereignty, to assist in tackling the various problems in Darfur, Sudan,

“Recalling the conclusions of the Addis Ababa high-level consultation on the situation in Darfur of 16 November 2006 as endorsed in the communiqué of the 66th meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union held in Abuja on 30 November 2006 as well as the communiqué of 79th meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on 22 June 2007, recalling the statement of its President of 19 December 2006 endorsing the Addis Ababa and Abuja agreements, welcoming the progress made so far and calling for them to be fully implemented by all parties without delay and for all parties to facilitate the immediate deployment of the United Nations Light and Heavy Support packages to the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and a Hybrid operation in Darfur, for which back-stopping and command and control structures will be provided by the United Nations, and recalling that co-operation between the UN and the regional arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of peace and security is an integral part of collective security as provided for in the Charter of the United Nations,

“Re-affirming also its previous resolutions 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, 1502 (2003) on the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict and the subsequent conclusions of the Security Council Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict pertaining to parties to the armed conflict in Sudan (S/2006/971), and 1674 (2006) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as well as recalling the report of its Mission to Addis Ababa and Khartoum from 16 to 17 June 2007,

“Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission of 5 June 2007,

“Commending in this regard the agreement of Sudan that the Hybrid operation shall be deployed in Darfur, as detailed in the conclusions of the high-level AU/UN consultations with the Government of Sudan in Addis Ababa on 12 June 2007 and confirmed in full during the Council’s meeting with the President of Sudan on 17 June in Khartoum,

“Recalling the Addis Ababa Agreement that the Hybrid operation should have a predominantly African character and the troops should, as far as possible, be sourced from African countries,

“Commending the efforts of the African Union for the successful deployment of AMIS, as well as the efforts of member states and regional organisations that have assisted it in its deployment, stressing the need for AMIS, as supported by the United Nations Light and Heavy Support Packages, to assist implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement until the end of its mandate, calling upon the Government of Sudan to assist in removing all obstacles to the proper discharge by AMIS of its mandate; and recalling the communiqué of the 79^th meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 22 June to extend the mandate of AMIS for an additional period not exceeding six months until 31 December 2007,

“Stressing the urgent need to mobilise the financial, logistical and other support and assistance required for AMIS,

“Welcoming the ongoing preparations for the Hybrid operation, including the putting in place of logistical arrangements in Darfur, at United Nations Headquarters and the African Union Commission Headquarters, force and police generation efforts and on-going joint efforts by the Secretary General and the Chairperson of the African Union to finalise essential operational policies, and further welcoming action taken so that appropriate financial and administrative mechanisms are established to ensure the effective management of the Hybrid,

“Re-iterating its belief in the basis provided by the Darfur Peace Agreement for a lasting political solution and sustained security in Darfur, deploring that the Agreement has not been fully implemented by the signatories and not signed by all parties to the conflict in Darfur, calling for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties not to act in any way that would impede the implementation of the Agreement, and recalling the communiqué of the second international meeting on the situation in Darfur convened by the African Union and United Nations Special Envoys in Tripoli from 15-16 July 2007,

“Noting with strong concern on-going attacks on the civilian population and humanitarian workers and continued and widespread sexual violence, including as outlined in the Report of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Hybrid Operation in Darfur and the report of the Secretary-General of 23 February 2007, emphasising the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of such crimes and urging the Government of Sudan to do so, and reiterating in this regard its condemnation of all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Darfur,

“Reiterating its deep concern for the security of humanitarian aid workers and their access to populations in need, condemning those parties to the conflict who have failed to ensure the full, safe and unhindered access of relief personnel to all those in need in Darfur as well as the delivery of humanitarian assistance, in particular to internally displaced persons and refugees, and recognising that, with many citizens in Darfur having been displaced, humanitarian efforts remain a priority until a sustained ceasefire and inclusive political process are achieved,

“Demanding that there should be no aerial bombings and the use of United Nations markings on aircraft used in such attacks,

“Reaffirming its concern that the ongoing violence in Darfur might further negatively affect the rest of Sudan as well as the region, stressing that regional security aspects must be addressed to achieve long-term peace in Darfur, and calling on the Governments of Sudan and Chad to abide by their obligations under the Tripoli Agreement of 8 February 2006 and subsequent bilateral agreements,

“Determining that the situation in Darfur, Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

“1.   Decides, in support of the early and effective implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement and the outcome of the negotiations foreseen in paragraph 18, to authorise and mandate the establishment, for an initial period of 12 months, of an AU/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) as set out in this resolution and pursuant to the report of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission of 5 June 2007, and further decides that the mandate of UNAMID shall be as set out in paragraphs 54 and 55 of the report of the Secretary General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission of 5 June 2007;

“2.   Decides that UNAMID, which shall incorporate AMIS personnel and the UN Heavy and Light Support Packages to AMIS, shall consist of up to 19,555 military personnel, including 360 military observers and liaison officers, and an appropriate civilian component including up to 3,772 police personnel and 19 formed police units comprising up to 140 personnel each;

“3.   Welcomes the appointment of the AU-UN Joint Special Representative for Darfur Rodolphe Adada and Force Commander Martin Agwai, and calls on the Secretary-General to immediately begin deployment of the command and control structures and systems necessary to ensure a seamless transfer of authority from AMIS to UNAMID;

“4.   Calls on all parties to urgently facilitate the full deployment of the UN Light and Heavy Support Packages to AMIS and preparations for UNAMID, and further calls on member states to finalise their contributions to UNAMID within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution and on the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to agree the final composition of the military component of UNAMID within the same time period;

“5.   Decides that:

(a)   no later than October 2007, UNAMID shall establish an initial operational capability for the headquarters, including the necessary management and command and control structures, through which operational directives will be implemented, and shall establish financial arrangements to cover troops costs for all personnel deployed to AMIS;

(b)   as of October 2007, UNAMID shall complete preparations to assume operational command authority over the Light Support Package, personnel currently deployed to AMIS, and such Heavy Support Package and hybrid personnel as may be deployed by that date, in order that it shall perform such tasks under its mandate as its resources and capabilities permit immediately upon transfer of authority consistent with sub-paragraph (c) below;

(c)   as soon as possible and no later than 31 December 2007, UNAMID having completed all remaining tasks necessary to permit it to implement all elements of its mandate, will assume authority from AMIS with a view to achieving full operational capability and force strength as soon as possible thereafter;

“6.   Requests the Secretary General to report to the Council within 30 days of the passage of this resolution and every 30 days thereafter, on the status of UNAMID’s implementation of the steps specified in paragraph 5, including on the status of financial, logistical, and administrative arrangements for UNAMID and on the extent of UNAMID’s progress toward achieving full operational capability;

“7.   Decides that there will be unity of command and control which, in accordance with basic principles of peacekeeping, means a single chain of command, further decides that command and control structures and backstopping will be provided by the United Nations, and, in this context, recalls the conclusions of the Addis Ababa high level consultation on the situation in Darfur of 16 November;

“8.   Decides that force and personnel generation and administration shall be conducted as set out in paragraphs 113-115 of the report of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission of 5 June 2007, and requests the Secretary-General to put in place without delay the practical arrangements for deploying UNAMID including submitting to the General Assembly recommendations on funding and effective financial management and oversight mechanisms;

“9.   Decides that UNAMID shall monitor whether any arms or related material are present in Darfur in violation of the Agreements and the measures imposed by paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004);

“10.  Calls on all Member States to facilitate the free, unhindered and expeditious movement to Sudan of all personnel, as well as equipment, provisions, supplies and other goods, including vehicles and spare parts, which are for the exclusive use of UNAMID in Darfur;

“11.  Stresses the urgent need to mobilise the financial, logistical and other support required for AMIS, and calls on member states and regional organisations to provide further assistance, in particular to permit the early deployment of two additional battalions during the transition to UNAMID;

“12.  Decides that the authorised strength of UNMIS shall revert to that specified in resolution 1590 (2005) upon the transfer of authority from AMIS to UNAMID pursuant to paragraph 5(c);

“13.  Calls on all the parties to the conflict in Darfur to immediately cease all hostilities and commit themselves to a sustained and permanent ceasefire;

“14.  Demands an immediate cessation of hostilities and attacks on AMIS, civilians and humanitarian agencies, their staff and assets and relief convoys, and further demands that all parties to the conflict in Darfur fully co-operate with AMIS, civilians and humanitarian agencies, their staff and assets and relief convoys, and give all necessary assistance to the deployment of the United Nations Light and Heavy Support Packages to AMIS, and to UNAMID;

“15.  Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations:

(a)   decides that UNAMID is authorised to take the necessary action, in the areas of deployment of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities in order to:

(i)   protect its personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, and to ensure the security and freedom of movement of its own personnel and humanitarian workers,

(ii)  support early and effective implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, prevent the disruption of its implementation and armed attacks, and protect civilians, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan;

(b)   requests that the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the Government of Sudan conclude within 30 days a status-of-forces agreement with respect to UNAMID, taking into consideration General Assembly resolution 58/82 on the scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and General Assembly resolution 61/133 on the Safety and Security of Humanitarian Personnel and the Protection of United Nations Personnel, and decides that pending the conclusion of such an agreement the model status-of-forces agreement dated 9 October 1990 (A/45/594) shall provisionally apply with respect to UNAMID personnel operating in that country;

“16.  Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in UNAMID with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, including the development of strategies and appropriate mechanisms to prevent, identify and respond to all forms of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and the enhancement of training for personnel to prevent misconduct and ensure full compliance with the United Nations code of conduct, and to further take all necessary action in accordance with the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13) and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training and, in the case of forces previously deployed under AU auspices, post-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

“17.  Calls on all concerned parties to ensure that the protection of children is addressed in the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure continued monitoring and reporting of the situation of children and continued dialogue with parties to the conflict towards the preparations of time-bound action plans to end recruitment and use of child soldiers and other violations against children;

“18.  Emphasises there can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur, welcomes the commitment expressed by the Government of Sudan and some other parties to the conflict to enter into talks and the political process under the mediation, and in line with the deadlines set out in the roadmap, of the United Nations Special Envoy for Darfur and the African Union Special Envoy for Darfur, who have its full support, looks forward to these parties doing so, calls on the other parties to the conflict to do likewise, and urges all the parties, in particular the non‑signatory movements, to finalise their preparations for the talks;

“19   Welcomes the signature of a Joint Communiqué between the Government of Sudan and the United Nations on Facilitation of Humanitarian Activities in Darfur, and calls for it to be fully implemented and on all parties to ensure, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law, the full, safe and unhindered access of relief personnel to all those in need and delivery of humanitarian assistance, in particular to internally displaced persons and refugees;

“20.  Emphasises the need to focus, as appropriate, on developmental initiatives that will bring peace dividends on the ground in Darfur, including in particular, finalising preparations for reconstruction and development, return of IDPs to their villages, compensation and appropriate security arrangements;

“21.  Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council for its consideration no later than every 90 days after the adoption of this resolution on progress being made on, and immediately as necessary on any obstacles to:

(a)   the implementation of the Light and Heavy Support Packages and UNAMID,

(b)   the implementation of the Joint Communiqué between the Government of Sudan and the United Nations on Facilitation of Humanitarian Activities in Darfur,

(c)   the political process,

(d)   the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement and the parties’ compliance with their international obligations and their commitments under relevant agreements, and

(e)   the ceasefire and the situation on the ground in Darfur;

“22.  Demands that the parties to the conflict in Darfur fulfil their international obligations and their commitments under relevant agreements, this resolution and other relevant Council resolutions;

“23.  Recalls the reports of the Secretary-General of 22 December 2006 (S/2006/1019) and 23 February 2007 (S/2007/97) which detail the need to improve the security of civilians in the regions of eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic, expresses its readiness to support this endeavour, and looks forward to the Secretary-General reporting on his recent consultations with the Governments of Chad and CAR;

“24.  Emphasises its determination that the situation in Darfur shall significantly improve so that the Council can consider, in due course and as appropriate, and taking into consideration recommendations of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union, the drawing down and eventual termination of UNAMID;

“25.  Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

Statements

United Nations Secretary-General BAN KI-MOON said the resolution’s adoption was the culmination of serious and painstaking collaboration within the Security Council.  It was the result of sincere and intensive cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union.  “As we open this new chapter, I pay tribute to the men and women of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), who have given their all in the service of peace -– some paying the ultimate price.  We must now move forward, in all haste, to build on their work.  We must put in place the complex and vital peacekeeping operation, which you have authorized today.”

He said preparations for the operation had been under way since early 2007.  In order to meet the resolution’s ambitious goal and assume authority in Darfur by the end of the year, the Council must remain engaged and Member States must provide every support.  Additional capable troops must be committed, support systems put in place and command structures established.  While Governments knew that took time, “time is not on our side”.

The unequivocal and continuous support of the Government of the Sudan was equally fundamental, he stressed, adding that, if it was not a good-faith partner in the initiative, the operation would fail.  The same expectation existed regarding the rebel movements.  The Special Envoys of the United Nations and the African Union would be meeting with the parties in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, later in the week, and it was crucial that that meeting yield positive results, so as to pave the way for negotiations and, ultimately, a peace agreement.  “We will build peace through negotiations for a political settlement, and sustain peace on the ground with our peacekeepers.”

EMYR JONES PARRY (United Kingdom), paying tribute to the African Union personnel, said the hybrid force must be deployed as part of a multifaceted approach on the political, security and humanitarian tracks.  The political track was now a priority, and the United Kingdom pledged full support for the upcoming negotiations in Arusha.

He also called for stepped up humanitarian protection and assistance, and cooperation from all sides, stressing the need for compliance with the comprehensive resolution and that, if compliance failed, there would be consequences.  The suffering in Darfur would not be ended by today’s action, but it offered the prospect of a new start for the region.

JEAN-PIERRE LACROIX ( France) said the resolution was a decisive step to end the suffering in Darfur, and it must start a course of real action.  France had been integrally involved in the development and adoption of the text, working closely with the United Kingdom and in consultation with the Government of Sudan.

Stressing the crucial need for all parties to comply with and respect the ceasefire, he said the operation would require a strong commitment from the international community.  AMIS also required stronger support in the period leading up to the deployment of the hybrid force.  Humanitarian personnel must be protected and supported, and the political front must be strengthened.  France was willing to contribute in many areas, including those of security and displacement.

VITALY CHURKIN ( Russian Federation) described the resolution as “timely”, saying it embodied the cooperation of the United Nations and the African Union.  However, peace could only be achieved through a comprehensive political settlement, and it was to be hoped that the hybrid operation would help move that process forward, while also assist with protection of the vulnerable, in full recognition of Sudan’s sovereignty.  For the operation to succeed, all parties must carry out their obligations, while deepening the relationship between the United Nations, the African Union and the Government of Sudan.

NASSIR ABDULAZIZ AL-NASSER ( Qatar) recalled that Sudan had initiated the request for United Nations assistance to address some internal issues.  The country had taken many positive steps in partnership with the Organization and the African Union, and had given its consent to the deployment of the hybrid operation.  All that was needed now was the continuation of encouragement towards Sudan and the fulfilment of the Security Council’s promise to continue respecting the country’s sovereignty and forcing the rebel movements to refrain from violence and join the peace process.  Qatar encouraged the Sudanese to continue their cooperation with the United Nations.

PETER BURIAN (Slovakia) welcomed, as one of the resolution’s co-sponsors, its unanimous adoption, saying his country had been greatly concerned about the suffering of Darfur’s civilian population, in particular women and children.  The unprecedented human crisis and its regional consequences should end as soon as possible.  The resolution reflected the new partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, and Slovakia called on all parties to facilitate an expeditious deployment and cooperation in order to achieve a lasting solution.

JOHAN C. VERBEKE ( Belgium) said the resolution’s unanimous adoption was a decisive moment towards solving the crisis in Darfur.  Mandating the first hybrid peacekeeping force was a strong sign of the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union.  However, the responsibility did not stop with adoption of the text.  A solution to the crisis must involve recognition of the responsibility of all actors to pursue the political process.

ZALMAY KHALILZAD ( United States) said UNAMID would have a strong mandate and promised to play a critical role in ending the suffering in Darfur, which had been staggering.  The brutal treatment of the region’s people was unacceptable to the United States, whose citizens had contributed much assistance to them.

Emphasizing that the resolution must be implemented without delay, he said the transition to a unified control with the African Union was imperative and must be expedited in a timely manner.  At the same time, the Government of Sudan and other signatories must comply fully with the Darfur Peace Agreement and its humanitarian protections.  All parties must cooperate fully with the resolution and, if Sudan’s cooperation was not forthcoming, the United States would call for both unilateral and multilateral action.

MARCELLO SPATAFORA ( Italy), praising the strong message contained in the resolution and the Secretary-General’s commitment, called on the international community to meet the challenges of such a large peacekeeping operation.  The international community must heed the humanitarian, political and development tracks of the resolution in an effort to end the suffering in Darfur and to create a sustainable peace.

HASAN KLEIB ( Indonesia) said the resolution laid the necessary foundation for a successful outcome, and the Council should now continue to give strong support to the political process.  Efforts should also be made to strengthen the ceasefire.  It was essential that AMIS receive the international community’s support, including financial support and the deployment of the light and heavy support packages.  A solution should be based on the tripartite approach between the United Nations, the African Union and the Government of Sudan.

LESLIE KOJO CHRISTIAN ( Ghana) said the resolution paved the way for deployment of the hybrid operation and the ultimate goal of the Council’s action should be to end the suffering in Darfur.  Ghana called on the Government of Sudan and other parties to abide by the intent of the resolution.  The adoption was the culmination of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, and that momentum must not be lost.  It was also incumbent on the African Union and the United Nations to address other conflicts in Africa.

BASO SANQU ( South Africa) said the resolution gave practical expression to the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union.  Because the Darfur peace process provided the only chance for a solution to the conflict in the region, South Africa urged all parties to cooperate in the forthcoming Arusha meeting.  It also encouraged the Secretary-General and the President of the African Union to provide leadership to ensure deployment of the hybrid force as soon as possible.

RICARDO ALBERTO ARIAS ( Panama), welcoming the leadership of the Secretary-General on Darfur and the action taken by the Council, said it was a proud day for the United Nations and the international community.  Today, however, was just the beginning of a process, of which the culmination would be peace in Darfur, where human rights must be assured and suffering ended.  Only then could the international community truly feel proud.

Council President WANG GUANGYA (China), speaking in his national capacity, said a positive momentum had been generated in the past few months, providing a rare opportunity that the international community must not miss in pushing for a gradual, appropriate and comprehensive settlement in Darfur.  That issue, however, could not be resolved without the cooperation of the Sudanese Government, which had shown flexibility and taken vigorous measures.  The fact that the Council had spoken with one voice was an important guarantee for the Darfur peace process.

He emphasized that the purpose of the resolution was to authorize the launch of the hybrid operation, rather than exert pressure or impose sanctions.  The text had room for further improvement, and was only the first step towards full settlement of the Darfur question.  The next step was faithful implementation of the resolution.  In deploying the hybrid operation, all parties should abide strictly by the tripartite consensus and avoid wanton misinterpretation of the resolution.  Also, the Council should now focus on urging the international community to provide financial support to AMIS and fully implement the United Nations light and heavy support packages.

Peacekeeping deployment was only one aspect of the settlement, he said, noting the importance of accelerating the political process as part of the “two-track strategy”.  The fundamental prerequisite for lasting peace and stability in Darfur was to encourage all factions in the region to conclude and implement a comprehensive peace agreement.  The international community should take a long-term perspective, work out a development strategy for the country and provide more input for the region’s economic and social development.

ALICE MUNGWA, Observer for the African Union, welcomed the Council’s action and thanked members for their statements of support.  Today’s resolution would strengthen ties between the African Union and the United Nations.  The African Union would continue to work with the international community on all aspects of creating a durable peace in Darfur, where successful operations could help create a new framework for cooperation in Africa.

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