YouSaid · the spoken record

Menkerios

lines on the record: 155
first: 1999-02-10
most recent: 2017-09-12
sittings or episodes: 12
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 is essential that the leaders of both sides demonstrate the political will necessary to find solutions to these issues and agree on mechanisms for their implementation, with particular focus on a border management mechanism and on a lasting solution for Abyei. There is no time to lose. So far, although some progress has been made in the negotiations regarding some of these issues, lingering disagreements on others - and in fact the worsening of the situation in Abyei, for instance - threaten a further deterioration of relations that could hamper the establishment of two viable States at peace within and between them. That would also negatively affect the entire region, thus constituting a continuing threat to international peace and security which the international community has invested so much so far to avoid.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6542 (2011) · source
“Mr. Menkerios: As highlighted by Under- Secretary-General Le Roy, the prospects for peace 3 consolidation between northern Sudan and southern Sudan, soon to be two separate countries, will remain contingent upon the quality of relationship they establish between them, and such a relationship will largely be shaped by the agreements they reach on residual Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues and post-referendum arrangements. I therefore cannot stress enough the critical nature of the ongoing negotiations on these issues and the responsibility that rests on the leaders of the two sides to reach agreements that will provide the foundation for peace and security in the Sudan, South Sudan and the region as a whole.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6542 (2011) · source
“I encourage both Northern and Southern Sudanese leaders to maintain the spirit generated by the successful conclusion of the referendum in tackling the tasks ahead. This is a new and historic moment for the Sudan, a new dawn that, if built upon, can lead to sustainable peace and progress in the Sudan and contribute to the same in the immediate region and throughout the continent.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“The National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and their leaders - President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir and Salva Kiir Mayardit - deserve to be commended for that achievement, which will need to be built upon. Both North and South must now strive to consolidate peace and deliver on their promises to their people - promises to ensure effective and accountable democratic governance, to drive economic development and provide social services, to nurture their social and cultural diversity, to protect sustainably democratic rights and freedoms and to cooperate closely as neighbours in the pursuit of all those goals. In a sense, their work has only just begun, as has the work to effectively support them.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“A technical assessment of those needs will start very shortly this month. For the North, we are currently discussing with the authorities the areas in which they seek future United Nations cooperation. Possible United Nations or other third-party engagement in the implementation of post-referendum arrangements that the two States may agree upon - such as Abyei, the border, et cetera - are on the agenda of the current ongoing talks between the two parties. We shall keep the Council regularly informed of the decisions made by the parties on those issues. The Sudan has given us an example of how the spirit of peace can overcome decades of war.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“While the Northern opposition is asking to discuss the basis on which this broadening would unfold, such a political opening is definitely welcome, and UNMIS stands ready to support, in collusion with partners - particularly the AUHIP, which has the mandate to facilitate such a process - any political process that would permit the consolidation of the democratic gains made during the 3 CPA, which are essential to the continued stability of Northern Sudan. The process for considering the United Nations future presence and possible role in Northern and Southern Sudan, and between the North and the South, has now started. For the South, the Government of Southern Sudan has indicated that it would welcome United Nations engagement in support of peace consolidation, capacity-building of the new State's institutions, and border management.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“Voter registration in Southern Kordofan started on 24 January and is expected to last three weeks. I mentioned in my last briefing that the impact of the popular consultation process will be limited unless it is matched by an accommodating national dispensation. It is significant to note that since that time, the National Congress Party has promised not only to widen the base of the national Government, but also to start broad consultations over the future constitution of Northern Sudan.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“It was easily destabilized by the attempt for a rushed dissolution of the joint integrated units, and I would like to urge the parties to remain cautious, to continue working together and, where appropriate, to utilize UNMIS in implementing decisions related to the termination of joint CPA institutions, such as the dissolution of the joint integrated units. I would also like to welcome the conclusion of the popular consultation hearings in Blue Nile state. Issues such as power- and wealth-sharing, the future of Sudan People's Liberation Army members from the North, land allocation and cultural identity have been raised during the consultations and will need to be on the agenda of the discussions with the national Government. Popular consultations in Southern Kordofan are now expected to commence after the elections scheduled for May.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“In Southern Sudan, progress is continuing on the integration of the forces which had rebelled against the Government of Southern Sudan following the April 2010 elections, and which had subsequently been granted amnesty. The fighting that occurred between members of the Sudanese Armed Forces joint integrated units between 3 and 5 February in Malakal and its vicinity, which caused up to 50 casualties among those units and civilians, was a reminder, however, of how fragile the security situation in Southern Sudan remains.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“Serious challenges remain, however. For the moment, those roadblocks continue to choke off the flow of food and other supplies into Abyei town. Despite the tireless efforts of UNMIS to support improved inter-tribal relations, tensions in the area continue. Given the delicacy of the current environment, I urge the parties to redouble their efforts to keep the peace on the ground, while taking advantage of the political momentum they have built in other areas to conclusively address the deeper issues driving the conflict in Abyei. 11-22913 While incidents that took place in Abyei and Unity and Western Equatoria states cannot be downplayed, the security environment in the UNMIS area of operation was generally good during the referendum period.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“At the parties' request, the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) facilitated the transport of nearly 1,280 additional joint integrated unit troops to an assembly point within the Abyei Area, and the Joint Defense Board has agreed on locations for their final deployment. I was told this morning, shortly before I came to the Security Council, that the deployment of those troops to their various locations started yesterday. As soon as the joint integrated units are fully deployed to their designated posts in the Area, the Abyei Administration has agreed to withdraw the controversial Abyei police units from the field into Abyei town, thus allowing the seasonal Misseriya migration to commence, and the Misseriya have agreed to remove roadblocks currently preventing traffic from entering southern Abyei from the North.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“I hope that the good will generated by the referendum will translate into increased momentum and the finalization soon of an agreement between the two CPA partners on all these and other post-referendum arrangements. I would also like to commend the parties for their efforts to prevent and contain violence in Abyei, including the agreements reached in Kadugli on 1 and 17 January, and their recent commitment to resolving Abyei's status by the end of March. Both President Bashir and First Vice-President Kiir have reiterated their intent to address the local communities' concerns and facilitate a peaceful migration, while opposing any unilateral action in Abyei.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“In the area of security, the two parties have now defined a broad framework for non-aggression and military cooperation, and have decided to establish joint mechanisms to manage their security relations, including at their common border. 11-22913 The parties have also agreed on the broad outline of citizenship arrangements, including rights of travel, residency, property ownership and employment, as well as protection against forced deportation or relocation for each other's citizens. In the economic and oil cluster, the parties are working towards mutually beneficial arrangements on oil revenue- sharing and a range of bilateral economic relations.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“This same spirit has also helped the CPA parties to make significant progress, in negotiations facilitated by the African Union High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) chaired by President Mbeki, on a wide range of post-referendum arrangements between their two States. I applaud the leadership shown by Presidents Mbeki, Buyoya and Abu-Bakr for their stewardship of this important process. Much of the groundwork has already been completed. Both parties are engaging seriously and making progress. A number of principles have been agreed with respect to open borders, good-neighbourly relations, non-interference in the affairs of the other and recognition of economic interdependence.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“Against the odds, not only did the national Government of the Sudan contribute to the successful holding of the Southern Sudan self-determination referendum, but President Al-Bashir and the National Congress Party have now formally recognized the validity and legitimacy of its outcome. In doing so, they have most likely ended, once and for all, one of Africa's most protracted and deadliest conflicts. Indeed, 7 February 2011 will have to be remembered and celebrated in the Sudan's and Africa's history as a day when the longest running civil war in the continent's recent history came to a definitive end, when the spirit of peace and cooperation prevailed over the spirit of war.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“On the day of the announcement of these results by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, 2 President Omar Al-Bashir signed a decree confirming his Government's acceptance of these results as the legitimate expression of the will of the people of Southern Sudan, this confirming the Government of the Sudan's readiness to recognize the formation of an independent South Sudan at the end of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) period on 9 July 2011. In my most recent briefing to the Council (see S/PV.6468), I reiterated the role played by President Al-Bashir, who, one week before the referendum, made a historic visit to Juba, which completely changed the atmosphere and contributed to making the referendum process very peaceful and orderly. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the historical significance of these events.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“Mr. Menkerios: The day before yesterday, on 7 February, the final results of the Southern Sudan self- determination referendum were officially announced by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission. Out of almost 4 million Southern Sudanese registered, 97.58 per cent voted in a process that has been unanimously described by all observers - national, regional and international, and the Panel of the Secretary-General included - as free, fair and credible. An overwhelming majority of voters - that, is 98.83 per cent - voted for secession.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“The Sudan is on the eve of a new dawn, and it is going to need a heavy dose of encouragement and support from the 11-20932 international community to make sure that committed implementation of the CPA signifies a final and definitive break with the past and opens a new era of prosperity and stability for all Sudanese.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Such diversity is always the strength of nations, never their weakness. With the conclusion of the CPA, both the North and the South will need new constitutional arrangements. This represents an important opportunity for both of them to engage relevant stakeholders and consolidate the peace and stability achieved under the CPA. The United Nations and the rest of the international community will need to continue supporting the parties through the rest of the peace process and help to ensure that peace is maintained between them while stability and democracy are consolidated and deepened within them.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“The Southern Sudan self-determination referendum is probably the single most important foundation for the future peace and stability of the Sudan and of the entire region. The next few months will provide the basis for a transition to the post-CPA environment. As with any transition, it will be marked by a degree of uncertainty, considerable expectations and hopes for some, and fears of the new and unknown for others. Both the SPLM. and the National Congress Party need to continue displaying the remarkable leadership, statesmanship and political courage they have demonstrated in the past few weeks to guide the Sudan through this difficult period. Whatever the referendum's outcome, both Northern and Southern Sudan will remain multi-ethnic, multicultural and multireligious societies.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“One can hardly say that even in Blue Nile state, where elections have taken place, there is real confidence that the popular consultations will be carried out properly and lead to a solution to the inequities that led to marginalization and conflict in the past. The popular consultations represent one of the key final benchmarks of the CPA and require both clarity and attention from the parties. Neither of them can afford to leave grievances and fears between rival communities in the two states unaddressed, and risk a resumption of hostilities in the border areas. Progress will absolutely need to be made on that front in the next six months if the gains achieved by the peace process so far are to be consolidated.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“The implementation of the promises made by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) during the all-party conference of October 2010 will similarly be critical to consolidating Southern stability in the post-referendum environment. UNMIS stands ready to provide support and assistance to this process and encourages the SPLM. to move forward with it. Regarding the popular consultations, the achievements of the CPA and the future of governance in Northern Sudan are also supposed to be reviewed through popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan. Unfortunately, however, no sufficient political commitment has yet been demonstrated or clarity of objectives provided by the parties to meet the requirements of the peace process in the two states.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“This process needs careful handling to avoid a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations is providing humanitarian support to the return process and stands ready to provide additional technical support as necessary. I welcome the recent decision taken by the Government of Southern Sudan to promote return and reintegration, in accordance with internationally accepted principles of voluntariness, safety and dignity. Ahead of the referendum, the Government of Southern Sudan pursued its road map for political accommodation in the South with the signing of a ceasefire framework agreement between the SPLA and Lieutenant General George Athor. This is most welcome.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“These efforts to reduce tensions and prevent violence can help contain the situation. However, the continued absence of a final settlement for the future status of Abyei leaves open the possibility of further clashes between the communities on the ground. I therefore call on the parties to redouble their efforts to settle the Abyei dispute and display the same leadership and courage they have displayed regarding the Southern Sudan referendum. Regarding Southern returnees, I welcome statements from both parties on their commitment and arrangements to protect and respect the rights of Southerners in the North and Northerners in the South, respectively. Over 1.2 million Southerners have returned since the signing of the CPA, with a recent surge since October 2010 involving approximately 160,000 Southern returnees.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“They also agreed to completely disarm all communities in Abyei, to escort returnees to safe destinations, and to ensure the freedom of movement and security of migrants with their cattle through Abyei and southwards into other grazing areas in Southern Sudan. UNMIS has increased both the size of its military deployment to Abyei and its military and civilian patrolling in the area in order to deter further attacks. Movement restrictions were placed on UNMIS patrols by both Ngok Dinka and Misseriya forces, which impeded the Mission's efforts in responding to the violence. Furthermore, incidents involving the 3 commandeering of United Nations vehicles by and direct threats to United Nations personnel by these armed elements reoccurred, which cannot and will not be tolerated.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“With UNMIS encouragement and participation, an intercommunal conference was quickly organized in Kadugli to address immediate concerns over the impending migration of the Misseriya, and a subsequent governmental meeting took place yesterday to address outstanding security needs in Abyei, returning internally displaced persons, Southerners living in the North and vice versa. The parties agreed to bolster security in Abyei, particularly its northern part, with an additional two battalions of joint integrated units, and to pull back the 300 Ngok Dinka policemen who had come from Wau, in the South, and had been deployed to northern Abyei posts, which triggered Misseriya reactions.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Following the incidents, UNMIS was repeatedly denied access to the area and could not confirm the number of casualties, which is estimated at between 20 and 60. Soon thereafter, reprisal operations were launched by some of the affected Misseriya community members against a convoy of southern returnees while they were passing through Southern Kordofan on their way to cross the border home. UNMIS moved quickly to prevent any escalation of violence, both through political intervention with political leaders and by directing increased patrolling on the ground.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Nonetheless, the parties remain engaged in the search for a resolution to the area's future status. The AU High- Level Implementation Panel has presented a set of 11-20932 proposals to the two parties, but they have not yet agreed on any of the options or presented alternatives. The talks are scheduled to resume on 27 January in Khartoum at the presidency level. Uncertainty over Abyei continues to present a risk to peace and stability on the ground, and the Abyei area remains tense and volatile. Incidents on 7 and 8 January in different areas in the northern part of Abyei culminated in a significant confrontation between Ngok Dinka police forces and Misseriya communities on 9 January near the village of Makier Abior, approximately 13 kilometres north-west of Abyei town.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on the Sudan, led by President Mbeki, is mediating the negotiations on post- referendum arrangements with the help of UNMIS, the United States and other partners. We hope that the successful completion of the Southern Sudan referendum will help to enhance confidence between the two parties and help them make the necessary compromises to find solutions to the future status of Abyei and a host of other pending issues, as well as accelerate the popular consultations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The parties now have the chance to launch a new stage in their relationship and to begin building a foundation for trust and cooperation. As members of the Council are aware, the referendum for Abyei did not take place.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Results from all referendum centres will be verified, approved and progressively announced. The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission will announce preliminary results for the entire referendum on 2 February. Barring any legal appeals, the final results will be declared on 7 February and, in the case of appeals, on 14 February. Senior officials of the National Congress Party in Khartoum have already announced that the referendum would most probably meet the standards necessary for its outcome to be recognized and accepted. With regard to post-referendum negotiations, as we move into the final six months of the CPA interim period, much remains to be done.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Mkapa will undoubtedly mention in his briefing later, the Secretary-General's Panel on the Referenda in the Sudan noted in its preliminary statement that, based on its observations and those of its staff in the field, the Panel is satisfied that the process allowed the people of Southern Sudan to express their will freely. Similarly, the observer missions of the African Union (AU), the European Union, the Carter Centre, the Arab League and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development have issued statements concluding that the polling was free and fair. The counting of ballots at each referendum centre commenced immediately after the closure of polls on 15 January. Results have been posted at each centre and are to be forwarded and aggregated at the next level between 17 and 23 January.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Security remained calm throughout the polling period in the South except for some minor clashes between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and a rebel group in Unity state at the start of polling and some disturbances by cattle rustlers in Western Bahr el Ghazal, but none had any connection with the referendum, and the disruption these events caused to the polling process was minimal. Clashes in Abyei, where no voting was scheduled to take place, also had no direct impact on referendum security. The referendum was closely observed and monitored by large numbers of domestic and international observers. More than 22,000 domestic observers were accredited to oversee the process, alongside approximately 600 international observers. Observers were present in the overseas centres in eight 11-20932 countries. As Mr.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“The United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), the United Nations Development Programme and other international partners worked closely with the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and its subsidiary bodies, providing technical assistance and guidance on all aspects of the process. United Nations air assets were heavily utilized to deliver and retrieve polling materials and to transport key referendum staff and international observers. The international community, through its generous financial contributions, made possible the timely procurement of ballots, polling kits and other materials, and helped finance the training of polling staff and referendum security officials.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the work of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau, the State High Commissions and the polling centre staff, as well as all their national and international partners who have worked tirelessly for the past few months and organized a remarkable polling process. The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission announced on 13 January that the required 60 per cent threshold of registered voters - that is, 2,359,553 voters - had been reached by the fourth day of polling, making the referendum legally valid. Subsequently, on 16 January, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission Chairperson, Professor Khalil Ibrahim, announced that 83 per cent of registered voters had cast their ballots, a remarkable turnout.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Polling, which started, as required by the CPA, on 9 January, concluded as planned on 15 January. Despite the short time frame and logistical challenges, all materials were distributed on time to the referendum centres. Registered voters in Southern Sudan, Northern Sudan and out of country were able to vote without any major problems. No significant security incident affected polling areas. Voting was disrupted only by weather conditions in Brisbane, Australia, and was extended by three days to guarantee that all registered 2 persons could vote.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Mr. Menkerios: Last week's peaceful conclusion of polling in the Southern Sudan referendum marked an historic milestone in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). This is a testament to the commitment of the two parties to the Agreement they signed six years ago and an illustration of their strategic decision to uphold the CPA as they approach the final and decisive stages of its implementation. I would like to take this opportunity to commend President Al-Bashir and Vice-President Kiir for the leadership and courage they displayed in taking the country along this difficult path, and call on them to continue such a partnership, which, as we have witnessed during the past few weeks, is absolutely critical to the successful completion of the peace process.”
2011-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6468 (2011) · source
“Alongside the exercise of self- determination for the peoples of Southern Sudan and Abyei, and popular consultations in the concerned states, the Sudan needs to be encouraged and assisted to expand the democratic space opened by the recent elections and establish a broad-based system of national governance that will lead to a more equitable society and durable peace.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“We await this joint request to pass it on to the Secretary-General. In all this, the international community must not only encourage and urge the parties to stay the course to ensure the timely conclusion of CPA implementation and continued peace and mutual benefit, but also assist them in this endeavour. This will require political and material support both in the conduct of the remaining processes and in ensuring a soft landing in the post- referendum period. There is much at stake for the future of the people of the Sudan, the region and the African continent in the outcome of the referendums and popular consultations. The Sudan is a microcosm of Africa, and its stability or instability will have far-reaching implications.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“The political significance of the referendums to the future of the people of the Sudan, and indeed to the whole region, has led to calls by the two parties that they be conducted in a transparent and credible manner, and thus with much closer scrutiny by the international community than the elections received. In fact, the two parties have separately informed UNMIS that they desire United Nations engagement at a much greater level than during the elections to help ensure that the referendums are prepared and conducted without any interference from one side or the other. This implies a wider scope of engagement for UNMIS that exceeds its current mandate. We have advised both parties that they should jointly define this greater level of United Nations engagement and present their request to the Organization together.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“The strategy being implemented entails reinforced presence at the state level where a state coordinator manages and directs the efforts of all Mission components to protect civilians; a more flexible military deployment will further enhance this effort. In partnership with the AU High-Level Implementation Panel, and in collaboration with other key partners, we have been engaging the parties on all processes that require further agreement and shall continue to do so. In this regard, a consultative forum involving key international stakeholders met in Addis Ababa in May and agreed to support the partnership of the AU and the United Nations in taking the lead on facilitating progress and cooperation in the peaceful implementation of the CPA and beyond. International monitoring of the referendums is another important issue.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“We have been providing and will continue to provide the requisite assistance for the conduct of the popular consultations. In order to support these processes, we have planned and begun to redeploy resources and staff to locations beyond those covered during the elections. The UNMIS military contingent is in the process of identifying possible hotspots and revising its deployment accordingly. We will continue to train and help develop the institutional capacity of the Southern Sudan Police Service. As requested by the Council, we have revised and are implementing a more effective approach to the protection of civilians, which is no longer a task entrusted to a particular unit but is an integral component of all Mission operations.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“The Government of Southern Sudan, with the assistance of the United Nations country team and other partners, is in the process of refining such a plan. It is only through such a multifaceted approach that we can help ensure a peaceful transition and effective protection of civilians both in the short and long terms. The United Nations has stood firm in its commitment to assisting the parties in implementing the CPA. UNMIS and the United Nations country team stand ready to help them to conclude this peace process in a way that contributes to continuing peace, stability and progress. With regard to support for the referendums, the United Nations is ready to extend technical and logistical assistance to the two commissions as soon as they become operational.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“around the borders of Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Western Bahr el-Ghazal have continued. Within Southern Sudan, rebellious armed elements in Unity and Jonglei states in particular continue to cause security risks, as does the Lord's Resistance Army in Western Equatoria. UNMIS continues to work with the parties to help address these security threats. The overall situation in Southern Sudan requires a concerted and comprehensive capacity-building effort, irrespective of the outcome of the referendum. This effort would, as an immediate priority, require a coherent strategy on security sector reform and institutional capacity-building. A development plan that focuses on the provision of basic services in the short term and sustained economic growth in the long term is also a must.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“In this regard, agreement on post-referendum arrangements not only becomes crucial for long-term peace and stability in the Sudan and the region, but will also seriously affect the smooth implementation of the CPA in the remaining phases of the interim period. Accordingly, the parties have been engaged in discussions and must be encouraged and supported in reaching agreement on key issues of common concern. Formal negotiations between the parties are scheduled to start on 21 June with the assistance of the African Union (AU) High-Level Implementation Panel, and we will be fully supporting this effort. The security situation around much of the border and within Southern Sudan remains of great concern. Sporadic clashes between the Misseriya and Rizeigat armed militias and the SPLM.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“It is also of concern that the timeline for the meaningful conduct of these consultations remain tight, especially in Southern Kordofan, due to the postponement of the census and elections. During my most recent briefing to the Council, I emphasized that unity and secession do not need to be a zero-sum game for the North and the South. It is thus advisable for the two sides to continue to cooperate for their mutual benefit, whether in unity or separation. The goal of making unity attractive, therefore, should be a long-term one, irrespective of the outcome. In interactions with the leaders of the two parties, we have advised that separation should not be considered a divorce, and that in the case of a vote for separation, maintaining close linkages between the South and the North is in the interests of both.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“It is imperative, however, that the parties settle the remaining contentious parts of the border and demarcate them before the referendum is held. The CPA gives the people of the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states the right to decide on their future governance through a process of popular consultations. These are to be conducted by elected state assemblies and should provide an opportunity for a fresh approach to centre-periphery and minority issues that, if properly implemented, could serve as a model for the rest of the Sudan. However, a potential continuation of the original North-South conflict is also possible if the process is not handled with the transparency and openness it demands.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“My impression from informal discussions with the parties, the NCP in particular, is that the issues of residency and border demarcation in Abyei are unlikely to be easily resolved outside a broader post-referendum agreement on grazing rights, resource sharing and citizenship, among other issues. The Ad Hoc Technical Border Committee has presented its report to the parties, in which it describes areas of agreement regarding the border and sections where it was unable to agree. It is a welcome development that the Committee has, with United Nations technical and logistical support, started to demarcate the sections of the border it has agreed upon, with the exception of Abyei, citing security threats.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“The parties need to be encouraged - indeed, urged - to push on with the necessary preparations without further delay. On the referendum in Abyei, the parties have not yet agreed on who is eligible to vote. This issue has been referred to the Abyei referendum commission to finalize. While the parties have nominated their members to the Commission, differences persist on who should chair it, as the chairperson would have the deciding vote, including on eligibility. The resolution of the eligibility issue and establishment of a commission are top priorities for the Abyei referendum process to commence. Moreover, demarcation of Abyei's borders on the basis of the Permanent Court of Arbitration decision continues to be stalled, for reasons related to the lack of agreement on residency and eligibility to vote in the referendum.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“The priority for the Commission, once established, is to develop an operational plan and a budget so that resource needs can be identified and mobilized. In addition, the Commission needs to set up offices at all administrative levels, recruit and train staff, conduct voter registration, oversee the conduct of the referendum and announce its outcome. This is a tall order. I believe that if the parties act and cooperate on their commitments with the sense of urgency the situation calls for, a timely conduct of the referendums is possible, albeit challenging. As requested by the Council, the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) is finalizing its plans and preparations to assist the parties with the conduct of the referendums and the popular consultations on time, consistent with the provisions of the CPA.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source
“The postponement of the national elections from January 2009, as originally scheduled, to April 2010 diminished the time available to prepare for and conduct the referendums. Since the announcement of the election results, the key priority has been and continues to be the formation and establishment of the referendum commissions for Southern Sudan and Abyei. There is no more time to lose. On the referendum in Southern Sudan, I am glad to inform the Council that the two sides have agreed on the formation of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and last week tabled their proposal to Parliament for approval, which is expected in the next few days. The United Nations awaits the formation of the Commission to start working with it.”
2010-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6338 (2010) · source