U.N. unanimously approves resolution on U.N. peacekeeping operation in Sudan
UNITED NATIONS, June 11, 2004 (AP) — The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Friday giving a green light for the U.N. to start preparing for a peacekeeping operation in southern Sudan and calling for a halt to fighting in the western Darfur region and elsewhere.
The resolution welcomes the signing of a declaration on June 5 by representatives of the Sudanese government and southern rebels compiling six previously negotiated protocols, and their commitment to complete a peace agreement.
Among the procedures left to finalize are an internationally monitored cease-fire agreement and a timeline for implementing the pact that will end a 21-year civil war. Talks to put together the comprehensive peace agreement will begin June 22.
The Security Council urged the government and southern rebels to conclude the agreement “speedily,” saying it would contribute “to improved stability and peace in Sudan .”
The resolution welcomes Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s proposal to establish an advance team, for an initial three-month period, to make contact with the parties and prepare for an international monitoring mission once a final peace agreement is signed. It asks Annan to conclude agreements on the advance team with the Sudanese government “as expeditiously as possible.”
The council declared its readiness “to consider establishing a United Nations peace support operation to support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement. It asked Annan make recommendations on the size, structure and mandate of the operation as soon as possible after the final agreement is signed.
In the meantime, the resolution authorizes the U.N. to start pre-positioning critical supplies and personnel to facilitate rapid deployment of a possible mission to assist in monitoring and verifying compliance with the final peace deal.
During final negotiations on the text of the resolution, there was a debate over whether the fighting in Darfur should be included, because it is separate from the conflict in the south which now appears to be ending.
By contrast, fighting continues in Darfur and the U.N. recently said the number of people in acute need of food and medical help has nearly doubled from 1.2 million to 2 million.
Late last month, the Security Council put new pressure on the Sudanese government to end the conflict in Darfur, where thousands have been killed in fighting between Arab militias and the black African population. Thousands more have been driven from their homes.
The resolution adopted Friday calls for an immediate halt to fighting in Darfur and in the Upper Nile, calls for a political agreement “without delay,” and welcomes African Union efforts to help achieve one.
The Security Council also condemned “all acts of violence and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties.” It expressed its “utmost concern at the consequences of the prolonged conflict for the civilian population of Sudan , including women, children, refugees and internally displaced persons.”