UNSC urges full implementation of agreements between two Sudans
September 28, 2012 (JUBA) The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday stressed the importance of the full implementation of the agreement reached between Sudan and South Sudan, while calling for rapid resolution of the final status of Abyei and other disputed and unclaimed areas.
These agreements, the UNSC said, represent a major breakthrough for the establishment of peace, stability and prosperity the two countries, while giving a cause for “genuine” hope that will benefit people from both Sudan and South Sudan.
“The members of the Security Council underline the critical importance of immediate and full implementation of the agreements reached between Sudan and South Sudan as well as the need for continued hard work by all relevant parties to resolve the details and outstanding issues that remain to be agreed,” party reads the UNSC statement.
Meanwhile, in October, the UNSC will meet twice on Sudan and South Sudan, in accordance with resolution 2046, which decided that the parties should resume negotiations on a number of pending issues and requested the Secretary-General to inform the Council every two weeks about the status of compliance with the resolution.
The Council is also expected to discuss the Secretary-General’s most recent report on the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). The mandate of UNISFA expires on 17 November.
Susan Rice, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations said the agreement between the two countries testify to “courageous leadership” on both sides and skilled diplomacy by President Thabo Mbeki and the AUHIP.
“Just a few months ago, Sudan and South Sudan were on the brink of war. Today’s agreements demonstrate the impact that strong, united action by the UN Security Council can have on some of the world’s most challenging situations,” she said.
She also acknowledged the UNSC adoption of its resolution 2046, which endorsed the AU Roadmap and set forth clear obligations that helped both Sudan and South Sudan avoid the path of conflict.
Rice said the reached agreements, if implemented swiftly and effectively, will bring enormous benefits to people in both Sudan and South Sudan, lay a foundation for resolution of the remaining issues, and promote lasting peace.
On 27 September, participants at the fifth Sudan-South Sudan Consultative Forum (SSSCF), held at the UN headquarters in New York, also called for full implementation of all the agreements between the two countries.
The forum, established as the Sudan Consultative Forum on 8 May 2010, was co-chaired by the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping.
The AUHIP, it emerged during the forum, reportedly submitted a comprehensive proposal regarding the Final Status of Abyei, and strongly encouraged the parties to continue negotiations on this issue, with a view to reaching agreement before the Peace and Security Council meets to consider the report of the AUHIP.
(ST)