Sudan complains to UN over disregard of flight obligations

June 26, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government complained in a meeting with the UN deputy envoy to Sudan about the transgression by the UN staff of the obligation to produce flight manifests listing all passengers on board of UNMIS flights.

In a press statement the UNMIS said that the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs raised Monday Khartoum concerns about problems the Sudanese authorities say they are experiencing with UNMIS flights, specifically in terms of compliance with the obligation to produce flight manifests listing all passengers on board of UNMIS flights.

The Principal Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan Tayé Brook Zerihoun met today 26 June with the Sudanese Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Mutrif Siddiq, at the latter’s request.

This meeting came after the suspension of the UN activities in Darfur by the Sudanese government. The Ministry of Foreign affairs said a U.N. helicopter transported a rebel leader from one of the armed groups opposed to Darfur Peace Agreement.

The Sudanese official requested that UNMIS takes disciplinary measures against the staff that are responsible for these problems.

He informed Zerihoun that the Sudanese Government decided, effective today 26 June, to reverse its decision to suspend UNMIS activities in Darfur.

Zerihoun informed his interlocutor that the Mission is currently conducting an investigation into the matters he raised and that the Mission will take corrective measures if deemed necessary.

The suspension decision by the Government of National Unity of Sudan has not affected UN Agencies humanitarian flights to Darfur neither has it affect their activities on the ground in Darfur which have continued to be carried out .

At the end of the meeting, the Sudanese government has lifted its partial suspension of U.N. work in conflict-wracked Darfur.

(ST)