France urges swift settlement for Abyei’s status
May 9, 2011 (PARIS) — France’s foreign ministry voiced concern today at the recent tension in the region of Abyei and urged the two partners of 2005 peace agreement to reach a quick settlement on the status of the contested area.
France “encourages the authorities of North and South, as well as leaders of local communities to do everything possible to immediately restore calm and prevent unnecessary suffering to civilian populations,” said a statement released by the French foreign affairs ministry on Monday.
Since the failure of the two parties to hold a referendum to determine the fate of the region in January, tension is escalating in Abyei between the armed forces from north and south Sudan which accuse each other of military buildup in the area.
On 3 May, some 14 people were killed in clashes between the local police from southern Sudan and northern Sudanese troops from the Joint Integrated Units deployed in the area. Both sides accuse each other of starting the fighting.
France, which is the president of the UN Security Council for May, urged swift solution of the status of Abyei “within the boundaries defined by the decision of the Court of Arbitration in The Hague”. Also this settlement should respect “the legitimate aspirations of nomads to move freely within the territory of Abyei,” underlined the statement.
The African Union high level panel on Sudan, said in a statement released on Monday that the two peace parties had reiterated their commitment to the peace agreement they signed in 2005.
“On the basis of these commitments, the AUHIP understands that the status of Abyei will remain unchanged until a political settlement is agreed,” the AU stressed.
Also in Abyei, the two parties agreed on Sunday to implement a deal reached last January in Kadugli to withdraw the authorized forces form Abyei during the period from 10 to 17 May.
The UN mission in Sudan welcomed the agreement of 8 May saying the parties will work together to create a more conducive environment by de-escalating tensions and speaking to the local communities.
A delegation of the UN Security Council, headed by the French Ambassador to the UN, will visit Abyei area to show international concern over the growing tension there and to urge the parties to conclude a final deal over the fate of the disputed region.
(ST)