Darfur mission will end in Sept, but consultations continue – AU

Sept 4, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — African Union peace and Security Council has reiterated its decision to end the mandate of the African forces in Darfur by the end of September 2006.

Nonetheless, the AU Security Council will convene at ministerial level a meeting in New York on 18 September to consider the mandate of the African forces in Darfur.

Below the full text of a press release by African Union peace and Security Council on the AU mission in Darfur.

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The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), meeting on 4 September 2006, was briefed by the Commission on the most recent developments regarding the situation in Darfur. Council also received a briefing from the representative of the Sudan.

Council reiterated its earlier decisions on the situation in Darfur, including decisions PSC/MIN/Comm(XLVI) of 10 March 2006, PSC/MIN/Comm/1(LI) of 15 May 2006 and PSC/MIN/Comm(LVIII) of 27 June 2006 on the issue of transition. In the decision of 27 June 2006, Council reaffirmed its earlier decisions on ending the mandate of AMIS by 30 September 2006 and on the transition from AMIS to a UN peacekeeping operation, and expressed its readiness to review the mandate of the Mission in the event that the consultations between the Government of the Sudan and the United Nations conclude on an agreement for a transition to a UN peacekeeping operation.

Council agreed to convene at ministerial level, in New York, on 18 September 2006, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, to review the situation in Darfur and consider the mandate of AMIS, in light of its decision of 27 June 2006. In the meantime, consultations on the matter will continue among all stakeholders.

Council expressed concern at the prevailing security situation on the ground, particularly attacks against AMIS personnel and assets. Council demanded that all the parties scrupulously abide by the ceasefire and ensure the safety and security of AMIS.

Council further demanded that the parties refrain from any action likely to undermine the peace process and the efforts being made to implement the Darfur Peace Agreement.

Finally, Council reiterated its profound appreciation to AMIS personnel and leadership for the commendable work done in Darfur, in spite of the many challenges confronting the Mission on the ground. Council encouraged AMIS to vigorously pursue its efforts in support of lasting peace and reconciliation in Darfur.

Addis Ababa, 4 September 2006

(ST)