UN envoy discusses Abyei’s security with local officials
July 7, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The head of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) paid a visit today to the disputed Abyei area where discussed the security situation with local official and traditional leaders, weeks before the announcement of Abyei Arbitration Tribunal verdict.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sudan, Ashraf Qazi last week told reporters he would meet the local officials and see with them what his mission can do to support them to maintain peace in Abyei after the announcement of Abyei verdict.
“I plan to be there at the time when the PCA arbitration word is expected,” he said on June 30.
During his talks in Abyei on Tuesday, the UN envoy to Sudan urged upon the concerned parties to concentrate their effort to assure the communities in Abyei, adding that UNMIS will continue its efforts to support the local administration and the people of Abyei in bringing a durable peace.
“The Abyei situation is entering a very important phase with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is expected to render its verdict soon, so I used this visit to meet with all concerned”, he said.
During his visit on Tuesday, Qazi met with the Chief of Abyei Area Administration, Arop Moyak; the Deputy Administrator, Rahman Abderahman Al-Nour; the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Charles Abyei; Deputy Speaker, Zakaria Atem; senior members of the Area Joint Military Committee (AJMC), Lt. Col. Zafir Omer (Sudan Armed Forces), Colonel. Jacob Wai (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) and the commanders of the Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) as well as Joint Integrated Police Units (JIPUs) respectively, Colonel Mahmoud Abu-Sarah and Colonel Luka Deng.
He also met with the Paramount Dinka Ngok Chief, Amir Kual.
The head of the 10,000 peacekeepers force deployed in southern Sudan, Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan stressed that they learnt from May 2008 fighting that led to the displacement of Abyei population and the killing of many civilians. The UNMIS had been criticized for not providing protection to civilians.
“We have learned from the experience of the past and of what happened last year. Now we are in a better position, given the cooperation of all concerned, to ensure that the people of Abyei are secure”, said Qazi this afternoon.
(ST)