YouSaid · the spoken record

Erwa

lines on the record: 266
first: 1996-08-16
most recent: 2005-03-31
sittings or episodes: 29
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It expresses appreciation of the position taken by the Russian Federation, calling upon it, as a sponsor of the peace process, along with the European Union and all other concerned parties, to take a firm position on these Israeli practices, which ignore and violate the feelings and rights of all Muslims and Christians throughout the world. The Council should understand that the Israeli decision to expand the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem will have grave repercussions for the peace process, exposing it to destruction and taking the entire region to the edge of the precipice. Therefore, the Council should express the strongest condemnation of the decision taken by the Israeli Government, declare that decision to expand the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem null and void, and demand that Israel rescind it.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“That statement, which was issued at that meeting and which has been circulated as an official document of the Security Council, affirms that the new Israeli decision is the latest in a series of Israeli violations of international law and an act of aggression by Israel against international legitimacy, an act that reeks of flagrant racism and violates the territory and the rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. The statement calls upon the United States of America, as a sponsor of the peace process, to do what it must to compel Israel to abide by its commitments under the Madrid process.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“They know that Jerusalem has a very special status and a solid international position in the United Nations, in the General Assembly and in the Security Council. Suffice it to say that the Council has adopted 16 resolutions whose form and content constitute the proper legal framework for the city of Jerusalem. We appreciate the position taken by the Secretary- General on the latest Israeli Government decision with regard to Jerusalem. This position is in line with the view expressed in a statement by the League of Arab States, over which my Government has the honour of presiding this month, at the emergency meeting held on 25 June 1998.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“Israel has always claimed to be interested in peace, but in fact does nothing but carry out measures that obviously run counter to peace and that can only perpetuate the conflict in the region. Arab and Islamic countries, along with other concerned international parties, have followed with grave concern and deep anxiety this series of Israeli Government violations aimed at imposing a fait accompli in the occupied Palestinian territories. We reiterate our condemnation of the latest Israeli decision not only as an obstacle to peace, but also as a step intended to destroy the entire peace process, and as a measure that ignores the rights and feelings of all Muslims and Christians around the world. Having been frustrated and discouraged, our Palestinian brethren have turned to the Security Council.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“The latest measure is part of a series of grave, flagrant violations by the Government of Israel of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. What is new and interesting about this measure is that it is not only a flagrant violation of international law and international legitimacy, but also the very embodiment of Israeli Government actions that openly and flagrantly violate the Madrid and Oslo peace agreements with the aim of pre-empting their final outcome. It is also a clear violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and the Hague Rules of 1907, and constitutes aggression against and a challenge to the legitimacy of the international community.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“That decision came in the context of expanding Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories by distorting the character of Holy Jerusalem and changing its status as a city that is sacred to the three major monotheistic religions, and by tightening Israel's hegemony over the city, eradicating its Arab character and changing its nature and demographic composition. The relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council - in particular Council resolution 252 (1968), which considers such Israeli measures regarding Jerusalem to be null and void - reaffirm the special status of Jerusalem and the applicability to it of provisions relating to the rest of the occupied Arab territories.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“Your efforts testify to your determination to shoulder your responsibilities as President of the Council and do credit to the Council's credibility and transparency. I also thank the other members of the Council for their similar interest and for agreeing to the convening of this meeting. Once again the Security Council is meeting, this time to consider the serious measure adopted by the Government of Israel on 21 June 1998, aimed at expanding the municipal boundaries of the city of Jerusalem to include surrounding settlements and vast tracts of the territory of the West Bank.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“Mr. Erwa (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): I congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June. Our thanks go also to the representative of Kenya for the able way in which he presided over the work of the Council last month. I have the honour of addressing the Council on behalf of the Group of Arab States at the United Nations, as current Chairman of that group. We sincerely thank you, Mr. President, for your efforts and for the consultations you have led in response to the request to convene an emergency formal meeting of the Council to consider the recent decision by the Government of Israel, the occupying Power, to expand the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem.”
1998-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3900 (1998) · source
“Let us gaze from a new vantage point upon the twenty-first century - a century in which we will have been liberated from dependency, backwardness and poverty, and in which we will step into a new world in which multilateralism, diversity, and different ethnicities and cultures will be new sources of riches and in which our differences will be transformed into conciliation, our conflicts into amity, and our altercations into a dialogue and cooperation. In conclusion, the delegation of the Sudan reiterates the provisions of the draft resolution, with regard to the importance of the international community, represented by Governments and the various institutions, helping the Central African Republic to proceed towards the economic development to which it aspires.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“We reiterate the importance of peace, stability and security in all the region so that we can realize our great objective: regional cooperation and integration and achieving development for our countries and peoples. Let us, at this historic moment in which our neighbour, the Central African Republic, enters a new era, turn the page on a recent history that was replete with wounds, sadness and wars.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“We would like also to pay tribute to the effective role undertaken by His Excellency President Amadou Toumani Toure, who played his role very wisely, competently and sincerely, as did the other brother Presidents in the Mediation Committee. We would also like to pay tribute to the important role of the African States that participated in the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB) by establishing the pillars of peace and security in the country. We support the draft resolution which is before the Council today on deploying international forces in the Central African Republic and salute the sincere efforts of the Secretary-General and the Council, which made possible the realization of this important achievement in the maintenance of peace and security.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“This pact provides a good example of the African continent's longstanding tradition of patiently and wisely settling disputes through tolerance, forgiveness, consultation, democracy and dialogue. This has proved to the entire world that Africa has a time-honoured history and civilization as well as a promising future. The delegation of the Sudan would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the mediation efforts of the group of Heads of State of the sisterly countries that make up the family of one African house - the continent - efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability to the neighbourly Central African Republic. We cannot but express our admiration for the paternal role played by His Excellency President Omar Bongo in guiding the ship to a safe haven.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“Mr. Erwa (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): It gives me great pleasure, Sir, to extend to you once again our congratulations on presiding over the Council. I should like also to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency the Ambassador of Gabon on his presidency of the Council. The Sudan, thanks to the close neighbourly ties of kinship and regional integration that characterize our relationship with our sisterly neighbour the Central African Republic, had the honour to participate - represented by the President of the Republic - in the signing of the historic reconciliation pact in the Central African Republic. This pact has proved once again that Africans can shoulder their responsibilities and solve their problems peacefully.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“In conclusion, the delegation of the Sudan pays tribute to the Security Council for agreeing to call this meeting, which is an important step towards strengthening the transparency so much desired in the Council's work. It is time for the Security Council to decide on lifting or suspending the sanctions against Libya until such time as the International Court of Justice considers the case in an objective manner.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“It is time for the international community, within the international legal framework and in accordance with the principles of the Charter and the objective initiatives, to seek a solution to the Lockerbie crisis, particularly since the maintenance of sanctions against Libya has direct consequences which prolong the sufferings of the families of the victims, the Libyan people and the neighbouring countries. We must take into consideration the Secretary- General's report on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, which stresses the humanitarian consequences of the sanctions, particularly as those consequences undermine the very principle of the concept of international justice.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“The Judgement of the International Court of Justice regarding its competence in this case demonstrates beyond a doubt that this conflict is incontrovertibly of a legal nature. It disposes of any dissenting opinions or doubts about the role of the Security Council regarding this issue. Notwithstanding the fact that the Council could have come to this conclusion, given the evidence before it, without the Court's Judgment, the Judgment has disposed of any doubts that might have subsisted. It is therefore incumbent upon the Security Council to assume the sacred duty bestowed upon it by the Charter of the United Nations and refer the case to the International Court of Justice in accordance with Article 36, paragraph 3 of the Charter, which is clear and unequivocal in this regard.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“We particularly support the joint initiative of the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States, which was expressed clearly before this Council by Mr. Robert Mugabe, current Chairman of the Organization of African Unity, on 25 September 1997, during the ministerial meeting devoted to Africa. The Judgment handed down by the International Court of Justice in February 1998 regarding its competence and the admissibility of the issue has reaffirmed the juridical character of this item. The Sudan therefore invites the Security Council to assist the Court by giving it the necessary time to examine the case and find an appropriate legal and peaceful solution to the dispute, and to lift the sanctions against the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya or suspend them until such time as the conflict is resolved.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Such is the role that developing countries believe the Security Council should assume in order to resolve peacefully many of the conflicts on the Council's agenda, and especially the question of Lockerbie which is now under consideration. Resorting to the policy of sanctions, which makes the principles of equity a pretext for hegemonic forces to use double standards by imposing sanctions on weaker countries without the necessary objective and legal conditions being met, constitutes a violation of the principles and values of justice enshrined in the Charter and contempt for the international conscience. Faithful to its principles, and because of its commitment to Africa, the Arab world and the Non-Aligned Movement, the Sudan supports all the proposals and initiatives advanced to find a peaceful settlement to the Lockerbie crisis.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“The Sudan believes that the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations is a necessity in the context of the maintenance of international peace and security. This is a concept that is in keeping with Article 33, paragraph 1 of the Charter, which states: "The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice." This is why the Sudan believes that the Security Council is, first and foremost, duty-bound to compel the parties to the conflict to settle their dispute by peaceful means, if that is their wish.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Mr. Erwa (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you and your fraternal country, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. I would like to thank you personally for your guidance of the Council. We would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to His Excellency the Ambassador of Gabon and the staff of his Mission for their leadership of the Council during the past month. I would also like to welcome Mr. Muntasser, the Secretary of the People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation of our fraternal country, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“That is why the Council must adopt specific, concrete measures to compel Israel to go back on its decision and to put an end to any steps that might constitute acts of provocation in the occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, the occupied Syrian Golan and occupied southern Lebanon. Sudan, on the basis of its solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights and for justice, and to strengthen the right to justice and fairness, asks the Council to shoulder its responsibility and not adhere to a double standard, and to strengthen its credibility by working to implement the resolutions relevant to the Israeli-Arab conflict, with the goal of achieving a just and comprehensive peace. This is the only way to guarantee stability in the region and throughout the world.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption2 (1997) · source
“Based on the need to respect the international agreements, instruments and conventions concluded between the two parties and freely consented to by them, Sudan asks that the Security Council shoulder its responsibility fully and, in order to safeguard international peace and security, ask Israel to rescind its decision and put an end to any steps that might harm the city of Jerusalem, a city where the holy places of the faithful of three religions can be found. For all these reasons, we must work together to preserve the special nature of that city, which is so dear to the hearts of all who cherish the holy places and who are imbued with the spirit of peace.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption2 (1997) · source
“Nor can we forget Israel's other systematic steps in the same direction, such as the opening of a tunnel west of the Al- Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds, and the ensuing violent repression of innocent protesters. Israel has not complied with Security Council and General Assembly resolutions; it has ignored international declarations and broken commitments it has itself undertaken; it continues to disregard the views of the international community. All of this reflects Israel's refusal to comply and its lack of respect for the peace process. It will inevitably lead to severe consequences with respect to the other States of the region and will have a negative effect on the peace process and on world peace and security. Sudan expresses its concern over the steps taken by the Israeli Government.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption2 (1997) · source
“The destruction of the chances for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace owing to the practices of the Israeli forces of occupation in territory that does not belong to them constitutes one clear proof that occupation and peace are incompatible. The decision taken by the Government of Israel on 26 February 1997 to build a new 6,500-unit settlement at Jabul Abu Ghneim in East Jerusalem - in occupied Palestinian territory -~ adjacent to lands expropriated in 1991 and 1992 is part of an Israeli policy to build a series of settlements encircling Al~Quds with a View to isolating the other Arab areas of the West Bank. The purpose is to judaize Al-Quds and to change its legal status and demographic composition, in contravention of Security Council resolutions, including resolution 478 (1980).”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption2 (1997) · source
“Mr. Erwa (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): I congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. We are well aware of the wisdom and skill you bring to bear in guiding the work of the Council. I also thank your predecessor, my brother, the Permanent Representative of Kenya, for the excellent way in which he led the work of the Council last month. There is no doubt that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is the goal of all peace-loving States, a goal which those countries seek to reach on the basis of the principles of justice and equity. The failure to live up to commitments entered into is inconsistent with a genuine desire for peace, and undermines efforts to achieve that peace.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption2 (1997) · source
“As such, Sudan will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned to consecrate these principles and to continue to comply with all the resolutions of the Security Council, because we are fully committed to international legitimacy.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“Here, I would like to say that the way in which the Council has discussed this subject will be a very bad example for other States seeking justice from the international community, particularly since all Sudan wanted was justice and nothing more. For many States, what Sudan has come to face in the Security Council is simply injustice in its worst form. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the principles that Sudan has set forth are truth, justice, consultation and peace. That is why the accusations levelled against Sudan run counter, in principle, to the premises on which we base our policies and practices. Sudan will for ever remain true to these principles, in conformity with our heritage and our history as a Member State that effectively participates in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“The measure that the Council intends to take today, although some believe it was simply a means to delay discussion of the subject with a view to granting Sudan more time, is an attempt to prejudge Sudan. The victims will be the peaceful Sudanese people and the region as a whole. Allow me to pose a legitimate question. Is the international community keen on punishing people by imposing sanctions, or is it using this means to maintain international peace and security and to solve problems? We are faced with a situation in which positive steps are being taken: things are moving forward, not backward. Imposing sanctions in this case reaffirms that the intention is to punish people.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“The View of the international community on the imposition of sanctions was reflected in the consensus arrived at by the Subgroup on sanctions within the framework of the Open-ended Working Group on An Agenda for Peace, which confirmed, among other things, the need to avoid the adverse long- and short- term effects inflicted upon people as a result of sanctions. Sudan holds the Security Council and its members responsible in the eyes of history for the draft resolution they are about to adopt. Logic would indicate that the Sudan's cooperation and serious attempts to comply with the Council resolutions should be met with encouragement by the Council, not by a warning that further sanctions will be imposed on a suppressed and weak people.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“N 0 one can really deny that these steps were taken; Sudan knows that all members of the Council, without exception, admitted that Sudan had taken some positive steps. What was the result? Did the Council encourage Sudan to proceed with these steps by lifting some of the sanctions, or at least give us the chance, to take further positive steps? Or did it warn of further sanctions which, if applied, would have adverse humanitarian and economic effects, not only on Sudan, but on the Horn of Africa region in general? The draft resolution before the Council today follows the path of the imposition of sanctions. Members of the Security Council and of the United Nations in general are well aware of the destructive results of these sanctions and of their repercussions on people.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“These are the efforts that we in Sudan made, in all honesty, in an effort to comply with the Security Council resolutions. Despite the many concerns and objections we voiced at the time, Sudan has been fully committed from day one to the implementation of all the resolutions. Sudan's continued efforts are not made with regard solely for our neighbouring countries, but for all countries of the world, and especially for the major Powers. Our efforts genuinely express our respect for international legitimacy and for the basic principles of peaceful coexistence between countries and peoples. All we are asking of the international community in general, and from the Security Council in particular, is fairness and justice. We ask that the whole question be viewed objectively in the light of the steps already taken by Sudan.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“Sudan is fully committed to the framework laid down by the Presidents of our two countries to bring about a rapprochement and to solve all pending problems between us. The Sudanese Government has genuine and honest intentions that it would like to translate into tangible joint endeavours in order to improve our relationship. Ultimately, Sudan would have hoped that sisterly Egypt would not be a force behind attempts to impose sanctions on the Sudanese people, a people that has always had sincere concern for the problems and worries of the Egyptian people. Sudan has always been a natural extension of Egypt, as Egypt has been of Sudan. Allow me to quote a line of Arabic poetry that describes the situation between us and the Egyptian people: the injustice of kinsmen is more painful than the blow of a sword.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“I would not like to speculate that the real intention was simply to waste precious time so that the matter would be brought to the attention of this Council in order that more pressure would be brought to bear on Sudan. I would like to confirm here that in our View these steps represented a very good and encouraging beginning, especially if we take into consideration the fact that these meetings were considered the first of their kind between the leaders of the two countries in six years. That is why it may not be easy to hasten the results and to expect an immediate resolution to all pending questions between the two countries. Arriving at a solution to such questions with sisterly Egypt is one of the first strategic priorities of the Sudanese Government. Sudan is very serious in its approach.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“It was a general preliminary meeting devoted to discussing the problems of the two parties with a View to reconvening within a week. Our security delegation in Sudan has been ready for the convening of the second meeting since 10 July 1996. We are still attempting to contact the Egyptian leadership regarding the holding of this meeting. I would like here to speak with the transparency required in this Council. We heard our Egyptian brothers accuse us of procrastination and a lack of seriousness. I would like to ask how a short preliminary meeting intended to discuss a general framework and procedural matters and to decide upon the details to be discussed can be said to lack seriousness or be an occasion for precrastination? How could our relations have deteriorated to a point where such a judgement could be made?”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“However, we want to comply with the Security Council's resolutions, which obligate us to discuss our relationship with our sisterly neighbour through the Security Council. Major efforts were made between the officials of our two countries; they were crowned with success at the summit meeting between President Hosni Mubarak and President Omer Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir in Cairo. No observer could describe the meeting as anything but a success. Proof of this success is that it was followed by a series of meetings between the two countries' Foreign Ministers, their Ministers of the Interior and their Ministers of Information. It was agreed to establish security committees to solve the security problems between the two countries. The first meeting of these committees was held on 3 July 1996 in Khartoum.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“We would like to state, as we have done in the past, that the time-honoured relationships between our two peoples and our two countries are very special. This is a relationship that goes far back in history. It is as old as the Giza pyramids near Cairo and the Birawia pyramids in the northern part of Sudan. It is as old as the Nile valley, through which flows our life-giving blood. It is very difficult for people outside Egypt or Sudan to understand the depth and the complexity of this relationship that has always been limited - at its best and at its worst - to the two parties. Perhaps it was destiny that led us today to this landmark moment in the relationship between our two countries, a moment when the very special nature of our relationship is brought before international and even regional forums. This fills us with bitterness.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“The members of the Council will remember what we said in document S/l996/358 about the Eritrean act of military aggression on Sudanese territory and the opening of the Sudanese embassy in Asmara to the armed Sudanese opposition in a step that had no precedent in international law or in civilized behaviour. Nevertheless, I would like to recall that Sudan did not initiate hostilities against Eritrea. It stands ready to eliminate the tension between the two countries if Eritrea shows its good intentions towards Sudan, and if it desists forthwith from providing outlaws with armed support, from destabilizing Sudan and from terrorizing Sudanese citizens in the eastern part of our country. Let us turn once more to a country that is our sister and our neighbour, Egypt.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“Even yesterday there were reports of attacks and military hostilities, and the Council and international courts were made aware of it. The efforts made by some members of the Council for Eritrea to improve its relations and settle its disputes with some of its neighbours are known to everyone. I would simply ask if Eritrea's conduct and its aggressive attitude towards the Sudanese people and its Government - its legitimately elected Government - are Sudan's responsibility. Sudan and the Sudanese people have hosted and shared with the Eritrean people for years, due to the frivolous policies of the Eritrean Government; - will they now be punished? Will they have to suffer the harsh and repeated Eritrean acts of aggression, and then have to bear the blame?”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“Speaking about this support, he said to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (spoke in English) "I would say the sky is the limit." (spoke in Arabic) Yes, that is what the Eritrean President himself said to the BBC. I leave it to you, Mr. President, and to the other members of this Council, to assess this statement by the Eritrean President. In addition, there were intrusions into Sudanese territory and the laying of mines inside residential areas, which killed many Sudanese citizens. This prompted Sudan to draw the attention of the Council to such practices. Here we can refer to Security Council documents S/l995/569, S/1995/522, S/1994/133 and S/l994/7l. While some try to blame the Sudanese side, let us look at Eritrean relations with its neighbours. Those relations were the subject of daily editorials in the international press.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“I thank the many States that have undertaken endeavours in that connection, and today I urge them to continue to try to convince Uganda to accept negotiations and consultations to settle all disputes between our two countries. I reiterate that Sudan is serious, and is ready to sit down at the negotiating table with its neighbour to the South, Uganda, with a View to normalizing relations. I turn next to Eritrea. Eritrea is a poison dagger; it is truly a wound festering on our eastern borders; it poses dangers that threaten to spread throughout the Horn of Africa. Eritrea is the only State in the world whose President declares, in public and before the international mass media, that it will provide armed assistance to any opposition groups aiming to topple the legitimate Government of Sudan.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“But we now despair of a response by Uganda, especially since Uganda has accused Sudan of supporting Christian fundamentalists within its southern border, even though it knows perfectly well that the border area is not under Government control, but is controlled by the insurgents supported by Uganda itself. I think that members of the Council are well aware of the many problems between Uganda and all its other neighbours without exception. Some of these have come before the Security Council. Hence, I think that members know which party is attempting to destabilize the region. Sudan continues to try to pursue the mediation efforts to which I referred earlier.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“But whenever a date was set for a meeting between officials of our two countries, Uganda would fail to appear and make excuses to avoid the meeting. Ugandan troops have tried to support the insurgency by entering Sudanese territory, but these Ugandan attempts have been doomed to failure. Sudan has always hoped that a solution to the situation could be found on a bilateral basis, and that Uganda would respond to one of the mediation efforts. We have hoped too that the situation could be resolved in an African context. That is why we have never brought the Ugandan aggression before the Security Council and have not spoken of the Ugandan invasion.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“It is very well known that Uganda has supported the insurgency movement in southern Sudan. From the start of that movement in 1984, it has provided financial and moral support to the insurgents, enabling them to attack Sudan from Ugandan territory. That support has continued since the current Government came to power. Sudan has constantly sought a rapprochement between our two countries. Even when our efforts seemed to yield success, this was only temporary, for Uganda would soon return to its customary practices. Sudan has tried to improve its relations with Uganda, and has undertaken initiatives with respect to third-State mediation: Malawi and, earlier, Libya and Austria have engaged in mediation efforts.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“Owing to its gravity, that incident caused a misunderstanding between the two countries, which will come to an end as soon as the problem is resolved. That is why Sudan has been eager to continue its contacts with Ethiopia to try to settle the problem and move forward. Our efforts culminated in a meeting between the Presidents of Ethiopia and of Sudan at the African summit held at Yaounde, at which they discussed matters of interest to both countries. They both reaffirmed their intention to cooperate to prevent relations from deteriorating. We see this as a first step, and want to reiterate our determination to continue on this path. We are confident that our neighbour Ethiopia shares that determination. Our second neighbour is Uganda, with regard to which we inevitably harbour some resentment.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“I shall not discuss the details of those resolutions or the circumstances of their adoption; I shall merely say that Sudan has 10 neighbour States, and has extremely good, friendly relations with six of them, to which we are committed through various agreements and joint ministerial committees that meet regularly. What are the facts about our relations with the other four States? Let us begin with Ethiopia, the country which submitted the original complaint. Relations between Sudan and Ethiopia had been very good, and were gradually developing, apart from a few border problems that were resolved through understandings reached between the parties. Relations continued to be friendly even after the tragic attempt on the life of the President of Egypt.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“I would like to mention that Sudan shares with the Security Council members and the international community the desire to fight terrorism and wishes to express its sincere willingness to cooperate with any State to reach this objective. The Victims of terrorism are our brothers, our fathers, our mothers and our children. I want to reiterate that the steps taken by Sudan were not a diversionary tactic, as some sought to make them appear. They were genuine measures that yielded tangible, well known results. They have become the policy of the Sudanese Government, and these security measures can be verified, because Sudan is open to anyone who wishes to investigate and confirm the situation. In its two earlier resolutions, the Security Council called upon Sudan to improve its relations with its neighbours.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“We also wish to spare our people any suffering and to be fully dedicated to our economic development, in cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries. Holding Sudan solely responsible for all terrorist acts that occur in neighbouring countries, in our region and in the entire world will not solve the problem of international terrorism. The solution to this disaster facing humanity today lies in trying to tackle the real causes of the problem and then in addressing them, one after the other. Making unfounded accusations against States - simply condemning them under the pretext of fighting terrorism - is not a solution to the problem.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“The first reaction by the Government of Sudan, following the attempt on the life of the Egyptian President and the accusations levelled by certain Egyptians residing in Sudan, was to reintroduce the visa system. We were then able to create a record of all foreigners residing in Sudan. Pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1044 (1996) and 1054 (1996), Sudan requested all foreigners to leave the country. Here I would like to clarify a very important point. Sudan did not receive accusations from any State against any of those expelled from Sudan. None of those expelled is anyone who should be brought to justice in this or any other country. All foreigners were expelled as a result of a decision taken by Sudan because we wish to be outside the circle of suspicion and to comply with the Security Council resolutions.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“The presence of many Arabs and Africans in Sudan is a result of the policy adopted by the Sudanese Government six years ago. We do not require an entry visa for some Arabs and some nationals of African States. We in Sudan would like to encourage interaction with our Arab and African brothers and to encourage investment in our country. Such a policy is followed by many States, including States of the European Union. This policy was not invented by Sudan. It is a well-known practice in the international community. As a result of this policy, many nationals of Arab and African States have entered Sudan, and with an increase in their numbers and in the absence of any record of their presence, because they have never applied for entry Visas, some States started expressing concern with regard to some individuals or groups.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source
“Sudan is a country known throughout history for having avoided any path that might lead to violence or terror and a country that has always advocated peace and love. The Sudanese Government seriously sought to enter into contacts with the countries that levelled these accusations because we in Sudan understand the reasons that led some States to do so. We took immediate actions after our dialogue and contacts and undertook specific security measures, in accordance with their advice. We expelled from Sudan all foreigners that aroused these States' concerns, especially those called the Arab Afghans, whether or not they had engaged in hostile activities. Some might ask why these people are in Sudan, and this is a legitimate question. Here I would like to clarify a very important fact.”
1996-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3690 (1996) · source