Darfur calm should encourage efforts for lasting peace – UNAMID

September 13, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Darfur peacekeeping force said the relative calm in the restive region should encourage the stakeholders to seek seriously to settle the conflict peacefully warning that the situation may return to square one.

Speaking in a radio talk show on the outcome of last month Tripoli on regional security with the governors of North and South Darfur on Friday September 11, Noureddine Mezni stated that the dominant mainstream in Darfur is now peace-oriented , and that the war was almost over.

Mezni admitted that there was no war in the literal sense of the word as compared to the situation in 2003-2004. He however pointed out that the conflict has not yet been resolved, noting that its after effects are still there including the presence of the IDP camps and absence of comprehensive peace on the ground , a fact that renders UNAMID peace-keeping operation challenging.

The official spokesperson argued “parties to the conflict should seize this opportunity to push forward the momentum of the peace process or otherwise the situation may at any time return to square one.”

He further stressed that “UNAMID was able to make some difference on the ground despite the impending challenges as evident in the improvement of the security situation,” he said.

The AU-UN official reminded that the mission, has a mandate to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement the DPA, signed in 2006 and any subsquent agreement. to be signed with non-signatories of Abuja deal towards a comprehensive settlement of the six-year conflict.

The spokesperson stated that UNAMID was able to make some difference on the ground despite the impending challenges as evident in the improvement of the security situation.

Stressing on UNAMID impartiality, he further said the Mission is keen to establishing good working relationships with all parties, and it will remain a tool for helping them to achieve lasting peace.

North Darfur Governor put the improvement of the security conditions in his State at 86%, while South Darfur Governor disclosed that the crimes in his State as well in other parts of Darfur were a by-product of the war, adding that Nyala city was witnessing flow of new investors, with a five-star hotel now under construction.

Taking part in the show through a tape interview, AU Commissioner for peace and security Ramtane Lamamra, underlining UNAMID leadership recent reports and public statements showing improvement of the security situation in Darfur , calling for building on these reports to re-energize the peace process.

(ST)