Security Council Press Statement on Sudan/South Sudan

 

The Security Council heard a briefing on 20 September by Special Envoy Haile Menkerios on the implementation of resolution 2046 (2012) and the African Union road map.  

The members of the Security Council welcomed the resumed negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel and the progress those discussions have made in narrowing differences between the two sides.  Given that critical issues remain to be resolved, the members of the Council strongly encouraged the negotiators to continue intensive work to resolve all remaining issues outlined in resolution 2046 and the African Union road map.  They welcomed the intentions of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel to convene a summit meeting of the two Presidents on September 23 to finalize agreements on all issues. 

The members of the Council affirmed that it is the responsibility of the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan to exercise constructive leadership and demonstrate the political will to ratify the progress made and bridge the remaining gaps to ensure the successful conclusion of the negotiations on September 23, in accordance with the decisions of the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.  The members of the Council reiterated the urgency of immediately establishing the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mission on the basis of a Safe Demilitarized Border Zone.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their grave concern about the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States of Sudan.   They strongly urged all parties to expedite all necessary steps to immediately commence humanitarian relief operations in accordance with the Memoranda of Understanding the parties signed with the tripartite partners.  The members of the Council once again stressed the urgency of immediately delivering humanitarian relief supplies to the affected civilian populations, so as to avoid any further suffering or loss of life. 

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-N to begin direct talks, urgently agree to and implement a cessation of hostilities, and create a conducive environment for further progress on political and security issues.

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For information media • not an official record