Security Council

5752^nd Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT CONDEMNS DEADLY ATTACK ON PEACEKEEPERS

IN DARFUR, SAYS ANY ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE PEACE PROCESS IS UNACCEPTABLE

The Security Council this afternoon condemned the murderous attack on African Union peacekeepers in Haskanita, South Darfur, reportedly committed by a rebel group.

In a statement read out by Leslie Kojo Christian ( Ghana), its President for October, the Council demanded that no effort be spared in identifying the perpetrators of the 29 September attack and bringing them to justice.

Recalling that its resolution 1769 (2007) demanded the immediate cessation of hostilities and attacks on the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS), the Council insisted that all parties comply with that demand and cooperate fully with the deployment of the United Nations light and heavy support packages to AMIS, and with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

Further, the Council deplored the fact that the attack had taken place on the eve of the peace talks starting on 27 October in Tripoli, Libya, and underlined that any attempt to undermine the peace process was unacceptable.

The meeting began at 1:20 p.m. and ended at 1:25 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2007/35 reads as follows:

“The Security Council was briefed on 1 October on the recent attack on African Union peacekeepers in Haskanita, South Darfur, Sudan, reportedly committed by a rebel group.  The Council condemns this murderous attack and demands that no effort be spared so that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice.

“The Security Council deplores the loss of life and injuries that resulted from this attack, and conveys its sympathy to the Governments, families and colleagues of those killed and injured.

“The Security Council reiterates its support for the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and commends the dedication of its personnel and expresses its appreciation for those countries which contribute troops to AMIS.

“The Security Council recalls the demand in resolution 1769 (2007) on all parties for an immediate cessation of hostilities and attacks on AMIS, civilians and humanitarian agencies.  The Council insists that all parties in the Sudan comply with this demand and cooperate fully with the deployment of the United Nations light and heavy support packages to AMIS, and with UNAMID.

“The Security Council deplores the fact that this attack took place on the eve of the peace talks starting on 27 October in Tripoli, under the chairmanship of the United Nations and the African Union.  The Council underlines that any attempt to undermine the peace process is unacceptable.”

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For information media • not an official record