SLM urges UN to get Sudan consent for peacekeepers deployment
Aug 31 , 2006 (PARIS) — The rebel Sudan Liberation Movement welcomed the UN Security Council resolution n° 1706 for the deployment of an international force in Darfur region, the SLM urged the international community to put pressure on Khartoum to accept its implementation.
In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the chairman of the SLM, Ahmed Abdelshafi Bassey, It described the resolution as “workable plan to protect innocent civilians in Darfur”.
The UN Security Council on Thursday authorized the creation of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to halt the bloodshed in Darfur. The resolution n° 1706 called for as many as 17,300 troops and 3,300 civilian police but invited the government’s consent before deployment.
“Resolution 1706 has undoubtedly rekindled fresh hopes for the destitute in the IDPs camps, the majority of whom are women, children, orphans and the elderly;” Bassey said.
The mission would aim to bolster the Darfur peace process, secure the camps and demilitarized zones, and ease regional tensions amid the security vacuum.
Baasey was designated as chairperson of a faction of the SLM dominantly represents Fur ethnic group, the biggest Darfur tribes, last July to replace Abdelwahid al-Nur .
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Below, the letter sent by Mr. Ahmed Abdulshafi Bassey, Chairman Designate, to Mr. Koffi Annan, UN Secretary General regarding Resolution No. 1706.
Date: August 31, 2006
To The Right Honorable: Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General
Subject: United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1706
Dear: Mr. Secretary General
The SLM/A has received the adoption of Resolution No. 1706 with jubilation but not without skepticism. Our call for an expeditious deployment of the UN peacekeeping forces into Darfur goes back to the adoption of the N’Djamena Ceasefire Agreement in April, 2004. We believe that, the UN Security Council has finally put together a workable plan to protect innocent civilians in Darfur.
Resolution 1706 has undoubtedly rekindled fresh hopes for the destitute in the IDPs camps, the majority of whom are women, children, orphans and the elderly. The new Resolution also gives more hope to provide protection against the brutal attacks of GoS forces and its militias. We would like, however, to bring to the attention of the President and the honorable members of the SC, as well as the entire international community that, the latest round of deployment of more arms and forces to Darfur by GoS will cause more suffering of innocent civilians in the region. The SLM/A would like to take this opportunity to assure you our full commitment to abiding by all previously signed ceasefire agreements and protocols.
While we strongly commend and support the firm stance and commitments made by the honorable members of the UNSC, we look upon the entire international community to join hands to pressurize the GoS to favorably respond to the implementation of the SC Resolution 1706. We should all focus on the urgency to stop more losses of human lives, the need for providing humanitarian assistance and to stop further human rights violations. Please help restore the dignity of the people of Darfur.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Abdulshafi Bassey
Chairman Designate
Sudan Liberation Movemet/Army