Security Council Press Statement on Sudan

 

The following Security Council press statement on Sudan was read out today by Council President Michel Kafando ( Burkina Faso):

The members of the Security Council received a briefing from former President Thabo Mbeki and African Union Commission Chairperson Jean Ping on 21 December on the report and recommendations of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel on Darfur, and subsequent decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the report and underlined their appreciation for the balanced and comprehensive nature of the recommendations to promote peace, justice and reconciliation in Darfur and Sudan as a whole.  They looked forward to the implementation of a holistic approach to the problems facing Sudan and supported efforts aimed at the peaceful and democratic transformation of Sudan, in line with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The members of the Security Council agreed with the report that the causes and consequences of the conflict in Darfur have yet to be addressed.  They reiterated their support for United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and for the work of the United Nations-African Union Joint Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassolé, to promote a lasting political settlement for Darfur.  They reiterated their call for all parties that have not yet done so to fully commit to and participate in peace talks.

The members of the Security Council called for the Government of Sudan and other parties in Sudan and the region to work with President Mbeki and his colleagues in coordination with the international community as appropriate.

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For information media • not an official record