Annan appeals for more aid for Sudan, warns of consequences

UNITED NATIONS, June 24, 2005 (KUNA) — Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday appealed to donor countries to convert their pledges for Sudan into cash and warned that failing to do so would jeopardize the political progress achieved so far.

“While many generous contributions have been made, large shortfalls remain for all sectors and areas of the country (Sudan). The outstanding needs for the remainder of the year are expected to exceed one billion dollars,” Annan said in a letter to Security Council President Jean-Marc de la Sabliere.

He said that two months after more than USD 4.5 billion were pledged for Sudan at the Oslo’s donor conference, a large amount of that pledge has “yet to be converted into cash,” and more pledges for immediate assistance are urgently needed to feed more than six million people during the next few months.

He said the hunger period is already taking its toll in Darfur, with malnutrition rates on the rise in several areas.

“These trends must be reversed and our achievements sustained, requiring a relief effort of epic proportions,” he said.

“If we fail to respond to these challenges now,” he warned, “the political consequences could haunt us for many years. Most worryingly, the main hope for peace in Sudan as a whole – the Comprehensive Peace Agreement – could be placed in serious jeopardy.”

He called for the urgent establishment of a civil administration in south Sudan.

“If those returning to the south cannot sustain themselves, and are forced to leave a second time, confidence in the peace will be dealt a serious blow,” he cautioned.

“Much has been said about the historic opportunity presented by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and about the importance of an immediate peace dividend to its successful implementation. Now is the time for all donors to deliver,” he said.