Indonesian FM opposes UN sanctions on Sudan over Darfur crisis

JAKARTA, July 29, 2004 (Compass.com) — The main issue which must be addressed by the global community concerning the humanitarian problem in Darfur, Sudan, was to immediately overcome the humanitarian problem itself. The threat of imposing sanctions was inappropriate and not necessarily effective.

This was stated by Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayudha on Wednesday [28 July] in Jakarta, responding to developments in the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, and the stance of European countries and the US, proposing that the UN should threaten the Sudan with sanctions.

“We appreciate the stance of the Sudanese government which is open and has given permission to international bodies to take humanitarian action to enter Darfur and give assistance,” said Hasan.

Hasan added that the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs had suggested to the coordinating minister for people’s welfare that Indonesia also give a contribution in sympathy for the humanitarian disaster there.

“We have also read and received reports from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) team which was sent there, which claimed that there was a humanitarian problem there. Because of that, OIC nations were urged to give contributions to help overcome the humanitarian crisis occurring in Darfur,” said Hasan.

Previously, the director-general for Asia Pacific and Africa, Makarim Wibisono, explained that Indonesia was also seeking clarification because there were several pieces of conflicting information. Firstly, concerning brutality relating to certain ethnic groups. Secondly, the presence of an uncontrolled non-governmental group. “Thirdly, we also wish to examine to what extent regional organizations which have security functions can work there. Fourthly, we hope that the UN will take concrete measures,” he explained.

The original text is translated from Indonesian to English by the BBC Monitoring Service