Sudan’s ruling party rejects Security Council’s resolution on UNAMID mandate

August 3, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) today has rejected a UN Security Council resolution extending the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) for one year.

Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Karti on Tuesday slammed the resolution saying it reproduces false information and tarnishing the image of the country. He also accused the 15 member body of seeking to change the mandate of the hybrid peacekeeping mission from Darfur region to include all the Sudan .

Voted on Friday 29 July, the resolution 10349 echoed reports about continued violence and recent waves of displacement in Darfur, it also urged Sudan to cooperate with the mission in matters related to the provision of visa to UNAMID personnel and to facilitate the access to the different areas in the restive region.

The Council further did not supports Khartoum’s plans to launch a parallel process prepared by the African Union panel for Sudan, called Darfur-based Political Process (DPP) and in turn asked the Sudanese government to lift the state of emergency and grant more freedoms as well as to stop violation of human rights and intimidations.

The UN largest peacekeeping operation in Darfur was also requested by the Security Council to cooperate with UN similar missions in Abyei and South Sudan, a matter that angered Khartoum.

“The (UNSC) resolution goes beyond what is agreed” said the NCP’s media secretary and spokesperson Ibrahim Gandoor on Wednesday evening. “It also comes at time where the security situation is improving and peace has been achieved in Darfur,” he stressed.

Karti, yesterday, warned that Sudan is only committed to the resolution 1796 establishing the UNAMID adopted in January 2008 and the Status of Forces Agreement signed with the UNAMID. He further warned that his government might end the mandate of the joint mission if the Security Council insists on these decisions.

The NCP official also regretted the resolution of the international body pointing out that his government implemented the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and recognized the independence of South Sudan.

The UNSC resolution on the UNAMID mandate said only a negotiated solution can end the eight year conflict in Darfur and pressed the Sudanese parties including all the armed groups to join the peace process and engage talks without preconditions.

(ST)