UN envoy in Sudan salutes progress in disarmament process
September 9, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The U.N. Secretary General Special representative in Sudan saluted today the progress made in the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process in Sudan.
This operation is considered by the UN as the most complex and largest operation of its type in the world.
“Policies are in place, planning is under way and the funding for some initial steps is available,” said Ashraf Qazi, in a speech before the National DDR Coordination Commission Tuesday.
He also commended the National DDR Council as well as the North and South DDR Commissions for their constructive approach to resolving the regions long-running conflict.
Qazi pledged the full commitment of the UN to launching a pilot project in one of the three areas (most likely Blue Nile State) before the end of the year, noting that discussions to achieve this are well advanced between North and South DDR Commissions and the UN.
The 21-year war between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) left at least two million people dead and displaced another 4.5 million.
However, the UN envoy to Sudan acknowledged that much remains to be done. “Adequate and timely funding for reintegration must be secured especially from donor countries regardless of whatever uncertainties may lie ahead,” he said.
“Adequate and timely funding for reintegration must be secured, especially from donor countries, regardless of whatever uncertainties may lie ahead,” he stated.
Qazi called for a round-table meeting of the parties, the UN and the donor community in October with the hope of achieving further agreements on demobilization.
He welcomed the appointment of William Deng Deng as the Chairperson of the National DDR Coordination Council.
(ST)