SUDAN; PRST ON SITUATION IN ABYEI

UNCLAS STATE 063498 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPKO PREL SU SUBJECT: SUDAN; PRST ON SITUATION IN ABYEI ¶1. This is an action request. USUN is requested to circulate to the Security Council a draft PRST concerning the situation in Abyei. Text of proposed draft follows in paragraph 2 below. ¶2. BEGIN TEXT: Presidential Statement on the Situation in Abyei The Security Council welcomes the June 8 Road Map For Return of IDPs and Implementation of Abyei Protocol between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement describing a plan for the return of internally displaced persons and implementation of the Abyei Protocol. We underscore that peaceful resolution of the situation in Abyei is vital to the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and peace in that region, and we urge the parties to use the opportunity created by the signing of the Road Map to find a final political settlement to support sustainable peace in the region, including resolution on issues such as the Abyei boundary and revenue sharing. The Security Council regrets the recent outbreak of fighting in Abyei and the ensuing displacement of civilians and untold human suffering. We urge the parties to resolve the Abyei dispute by peaceful means and avoid further conflict. The Security Council encourages both parties to pursue the actions outlined in the Road Map For Return of IDPs and Implementation of Abyei Protocol, in particular the establishment of an Abyei Area Administration; deployment of a new Joint Integrated Unit Battalion; unfettered access for the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS); and redeployment of the Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People's Liberation Movement troops outside the interim Abyei administrative area agreed to by the parties. It is imperative that the parties move forward without delay on the arrangement for a final settlement as outlined in the Road Map For Return of IDPs and Implementation of Abyei Protocol. The Security Council reiterates its deepest concern for those persons affected by the recent violence in Abyei. The Security Council stresses the importance of international support for the return of displaced persons to their homes, a political process, and the arbitration process set forth in the Road Map. We call for UNMIS, within its mandate, to deploy forces vigorously in and around Abyei and to help reduce tensions and prevent escalation of conflict through well-considered strategic deployment and highly responsive tactical movements in support of implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and we emphasize that an effective UN force in Abyei is crucial for security in the region. The Security Council requests the Secretary General review the role of UNMIS in the lead-up, during, and following the exchange of fire between parties in Abyei in May 2008 and consider what follow-up steps may be appropriate. END TEXT. ¶3. Department appreciates Mission feedback and assistance in this matter. RICE