UNMIS have to pack their belongings – Sudanese minister says
May 23, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese state minister at the presidency Amin Hassan Omer confirmed on Sunday that the mandate of the UN mission in Sudan (UNMIS) will terminate by the end of the transitional period on 9 July.
UNMIS denied earlier reports about Sudan’s refusal to extend its mandate hinting that Khartoum might accept the continuation of the mission in the future particularly that Abyei’s situation and border demarcation require a special attention.
“UNMIS must pack their belongings because the time has come for their departure,” said Amin after a meeting with a delegation from the UN Security Council currently visiting the country.
The state minister, however, said that the government could review its position if any other circumstances arise.
On 27 April the UN Security Council decided unanimously to extend the mandate of UNMIS until 9 July 2011 and announced that it plans to establish a mission to succeed UNMIS. The Council also asked Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, to submit a report by 16 May on the post-independence options for a UN presence.
The spokesperson of the foreign ministry in Khartoum on 1 May, spoke about a draft presidential declaration circulating at the Security Council to extend the UNMIS mandate under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter.
Khalid Moussa further said that Sudan rejected any extension of the UNMIS mandate beyond next July without its approval.
(ST)