UN SRSYG PRONK BLOG CRITIQUES DPA

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001549

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/SPG, AF/RSA, AND IO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2016
TAGS: PREL KPKO SOCI AU UN SU
SUBJECT: UN SRSYG PRONK BLOG CRITIQUES DPA

Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and
(d)


1. (C) Summary: Media accounts of UN SRSYG Pronk's weblog
selectively quote him as calling for re-writing of the Darfur
Peace Agreement, and criticizing the agreement for not
including the Abdel Wahid SLM faction and the African Union
for its limited capacity to implement the agreement. A
fuller reading of his remarks, however, reveals not only his
concerns, but his constructive suggestions for going beyond
the agreement to bring peace to Darfur. His candor, however,
may carry repercussions. End summary.

-------------- --------------
To Blog or Not to Blog; Pronk's Bluster Airs Dirty Linen
-------------- --------------


2. (SBU) On July 1, the BBC ran a story, "UN Envoy Attacks
Darfur Agreement," stating that UN Special Representative Jan
Pronk had said the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) is in danger
of collapsing and needs redrafting. The article also stated
that the weblog called for security guarantees, further
disarmament, and additional compensation for victims. In
fact, Pronk writes, "...we should stick to the text of the
agreement, but be willing to add a lot." He wrote that the
appeal of the agreement should be broadened to bring on board
more Darfurians, concluding that the document was necessary
but not sufficient for lasting peace in the troubled region.
Finally, Pronk observed that the African Union lacked the
capacity to lead the process of DPA implementation.


3. (SBU) A similar account carried by Reuters said that Pronk
noted that none of the DPA deadlines had been met, and that
the agreement, signed on May 5, needed mending. Pronk is
quoted as criticizing the African Union for not gaining the
support of Abdel Wahid, who he said represents two-thirds of
Darfur's internally displaced persons. (Note: The weblog
is found at www.janpronk.nl. End note.)

-------------- --------------
Using Selective Quotes Twists Pronk's True Views on DPA
-------------- --------------


4. (C) Although the above points occur in Pronk's blog, he
also refers to the DPA as a "good text, an honest compromise
between the extreme positions taken by the parties during the
negotiations in Abuja. That is why the UN, like all
international partners, has endorsed the agreement." While
Pronk says that the DPA is "severely paralyzed," he
nonetheless offers constructive ideas for breathing new life
into it: timely implementation, broadening the circle of
support, and transitioning towards a UN peacekeeping force.
Pronk clearly states "we should stick to the text of the
agreement, but be willing to add a lot...Broadening and
implementation should go hand in hand. The necessary
additions and refinements should take place in the framework
of the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and in the DPA institutions..."
Pronk nevertheless states that the agreement had deadlines
which could not be kept, and lacked full understanding on the
part of international partners of the underlying tribal
dynamics regarding signing the DAP versus deciding not to
sign. He also takes a shot at those who are too impatient
with Abdel Wahid, saying this reaction is based on "offense
and annoyance."

--------------
Comment
--------------


5. (C) Pronk, an active blogger, is well known for a frank
and direct approach, to the point of frequent irritating the
Sudanese Government. His weblog entries, however, underscore
his genuine concerns about lasting peace in Darfur: a need
for inclusion (especially of Abdel Wahid's SLM faction),the
African Union's limited capacity, and the importance of a
transition to a UN peacekeeping operation. His statements no
doubt belie institutional friction between the AU and the UN,
as well as reflecting post-DPA impatience with a lack of
results. Pronk's blogging, however, raises the question of
whether his views reflect those of his boss, S/G Kofi Annan.
HUME