Respect UNSC resolution, Ki-Moon tells the two Sudans
By Julius N. Uma
May 10, 2012 (JUBA) – The United Nations Secretary General has reiterated calls for both Sudan and South Sudan to disengage, resume post-independence negotiations and immediately establish the Joint Border Verification Monitoring Mechanism as per the 2 May UN Security Council resolution.
South Sudan army’s temporary occupation of Heglig attracted widespread criticism, with the UN chief describing it as “illegal” and calling for their immediate withdrawal.
“Addressing internal dynamics within both nations is also critical to consolidating peace between them,” Ki Moon said in a statement.
The Government of Sudan, he emphasised, must address legitimate political and economic aspirations of its people in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, where humanitarian access should be immediately granted and a cessation of hostilities negotiated.
The leadership of Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday announced it was strongly opposed to the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution regarding negotiations with the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) has been battling SPLM-N in the border states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan since last year, with each side blaming the other for initiating the fighting.
A framework agreement brokered in June 2011, prior to the outbreak of the conflict in Blue Nile state three months later, by the head of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP) has not yielded any positive outcomes.
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General also urged South Sudan government to address grievances behind inter-communal violence and “gain the full trust of its population.”
“It is imperative that both sides stop any and all warfare by proxy, before it becomes too late,” Ki Moon said, further pledging the UN’s firm commitment to assist both nations in improving relations capable of consolidating durable peace.
(ST)