Sudan criticizes UN for “hastily” position on Soba clashes

KHARTOUM, May 23, 2005 (Sudan tribune) — The governor of Khartoum State, Abdul Haleem Mutaafi, has briefed foreign diplomats and UN organizations in Sudan on the recent Soba incidents and told them the truth of the contradicting reports on these incidents.

Governer of Khartoum state, Abdul Haleem Mutaafi, right, tells a press conference in Khartoum Wednesday, May 18, 2005 that a major political party which he declined to name had incited refugees of the Soba Aradi area leading to violence. (AP)

Speaking to the media, the undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mutrif Siddiq, who attended the meeting, said the Khartoum State governor gave the diplomats and UN representatives the details of the incidents and in particular, briefed them on the real truth about the incident, which the international community was unaware of.

He also discussed with the diplomats the future plans of the state, re-planning of the state, cooperation with the displaced people and the role of the international community regarding these.

The Foreign Ministry undersecretary pointed out that the meeting was open and frank.

He went on to say that the governor criticized the UN stance on the incident, saying the UN condemned the clashes hastily, while the incidents were still going on and before they had even known the real truth. He said it would have been better for the UN to investigate the matter before condemning it.

Mutrif said the representatives of the international community lauded the principle of being frank and open and holding information and urged the government authorities to play their role in re-planning the state and to consider the needs of the displaced people and to offer the necessary support to transfer them to better places from where they were currently staying.

The undersecretary said the meeting was successful as some diplomats promised to support the state’s plans and others said they would meet the governor again to discuss what he had told them and to offer external aid for the states’ plans, particularly in regard to supporting for the areas where the displaced lived by offering education, health and other important support.

Mutrif said the Soba incidents were regretful as they had caused the death of a number of citizens.

He said the police were an important part of the state and attacking them was the same as attacking the state.

He went on to say the government did not support the use of force in such instances.