The UN Security Council delegation concludes its visit to Sudan
The UN Security Council delegation concluded on 17 June its visit to Sudan, during which, the delegation met with President Omar Al Bashir and Foreign Affairs Minister Lam Akol as well as other Sudanese senior Government officials. During a press conference the Security Council held jointly with Foreign Minister Lam Akol, the Ambassadors of South Africa and the United Kingdom stressed that that the Government of Sudan had accepted the AU-UN hybrid operation without any conditionality.
UK's Ambassador to the UN, Emyr Jones Parry, said that the UNSC's delegation's meetings with the Sudanese government focused on the political process in Darfur, as well as humanitarian aid and cease-fire issues. He pointed out that the delegation had particularly stressed the importance of a cease-fire in Darfur. He also said that the Council would start discussing funding for the hybrid operation as soon as they return from their trip to Africa.
Foreign Minister Lam Akol reiterated Sudan's commitment to a peaceful solution for Darfur and government's willingness to co-operate with UN and the international community.
The Security Council delegation was briefed by Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan Tayé-Brook Zerihoun on progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and on the situation in Darfur before the meetings with the Sudanese Government.
Prior to its one-day visit to Sudan, the Security Council delegation met with the AU Peace and Security Council on 16 June at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa that concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué, in which both organs committed themselves to a stronger and more structured relationship between them, particularly in the areas of conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. They also agreed on the need to develop the African Standby Force, to share experiences on working methods and to meet at least once annually.
The same day, the UN Security Council delegation met with the Chairman of the AU Commission, Alpha Omar Konaré, and AU Peace and Security Commissioner Said Djinnit. Speaking to reporters after that meeting, Ambassador Emyr Jones-Parry of the United Kingdom said that they had discussed Darfur at length. He added, "There was a clear understanding between the two sides of the desirability to move forward speedily on the hybrid force and the full implementation of the heavy-support package."
The Security Council delegation left Khartoum to Accra, the capital of Ghana, for a one day visit. From Accra, the delegation will proceed to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (18-19 June), then to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (19-20 June).
Security and Humanitarian Developments in Southern Sudan and the Transitional Areas
On 16 June, UN Police at Yei were informed by the Local Police in Tore (92 km North West of Yei) about the presence of seven dead bodies found on the road (8 kilometers from Tore). The dead men include two Southern Sudan Police personnel. Southern Sudan Police services are investigating incident.
On 17 June, while entering Kadugli Airport, a UN vehicle was stopped at the gate and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) demanded an entry fee. When UN approached the Airport Manager, he said that he had a document directing CAA to demand fees from the UN and INGO vehicles entering the airport. An Arabic copy of the SOFA was given to the Airport manager who then agreed to consult with his superiors in Khartoum.
Security and Humanitarian Developments in Darfur
North Darfur
The WFP Kabkabyia food storage capacity has increased from 1,000 MT to 2,300 MT, bringing the total North Darfur storing capacity to 30,000 MT.
UNMIS in El Fasher, North Darfur, met with the Omda of Mahriya (a sub-tribe from Northern Rizeigat) from Kebkabiya and also head of herders union and the head of the Good Endeavors (El Masaee El Hamida) Committee in Kebkabiya locality to discuss UNMIS support for reconciliation initiatives.
South Darfur
13 trucks carrying 750 IDPs arrived in Al Salam camp from the Katila area. The IDPs said four more trucks were on the way.
UNMIS in Nyala conducted a four day mission to Gereida from 11 to 14 June, to follow up on the impact of the DPA on the overall security situation, livelihoods and tribal reconciliation. The AU, SLA/M, local traditional leaders and the IDPs said that security situation in Gereida has not improved. Janjaweed attacks outside towns were ongoing and women were still subject to rape and harassment.
West Darfur
On 17 June, two Arab militiamen were killed as a result of on going clashes between Arab Militia and JEM operating in Misterei area, (45km South West of El Geneina).
* All UNMIS News Bulletins are available at www.unmis.org