Sudan’s territorial integrity must not be threatened: UN envoy

ISLAMABAD, Aug 03, 2004 (APP) — Pakistan’s Ambassador to United Nations Munir Akram Tuesday said that Sudanese government be given sufficient time to fulfil its international commitments before taking any stern action.

Munir Akram who is presently in Geneva was giving comments to a private television channel on Security Council’s decision to pass a watered-down resolution threatening “international measures” against Sudan.

He said Pakistan is as concerned as anybody else about the human sufferings in the Darfur region of Sudan adding President Musharraf has spoken to his Sudanese counterpart giving him a strong message to fulfil the international commitments of his government.

“At the same time we believe that solution of crisis is not possible without the cooperation of the government of Sudan”, Munir said. He said the solution of the crisis must not threaten Sudan’s territorial integrity.

He said the government of Sudan is saying it is fulfilling its commitments and should be given time but the Western countries want to take quick action.

Pakistan is prepared to take quick action provided the threat, reference to sanctions is either removed or diluted so there is no enforcement action at the moment against Sudanese government, he said. So that the Sudanese government has time to fulfil its commitments, he added.