INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNMIS CONSULTATIONS IN SECURITY

UNCLAS STATE 088183 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC SU CD SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNMIS CONSULTATIONS IN SECURITY COUNCIL ¶1. In the August 18 Security Counsultations on UNMIS, USUN may draw on the following points for discussions in the Council: The United States thanks the Secretary General for this report. We agree with the Secretary-General,s assessment that full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is the cornerstone of any durable settlement in Sudan, and is essential to end the suffering of the Sudanese people. For this reason, we wholeheartedly support the efforts of the UNMIS operation to assist the Northern and Southern portions of Sudan in implementing the CPA. Today, I would first like to discuss our deep concern at the recent outbreaks of conflict that threaten the peace process, and urge the parties to make every effort to seek reconciliation. Second, I would like to discuss UNMIS, role in mitigating the outbreak of fighting in Abyei and assisting with the implementation of the June 8 Road Map on Abyei, and urge that UNMIS continue to draw on the lessons learned in this episode to further improve its operations. Finally, I would like to welcome the progress that has been made in implementing the CPA, through the conduct of the census, the preparations for the 2009 elections and continued wealth sharing. First, the United States is deeply troubled by the violent skirmishes in recent months between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) that have threatened the hard-won peace process between North and South. Last May,s conflict in Abyei posed a clear danger to the peace process established by the CPA. We welcome the June 8 Road Map, and urge the parties to the Abyei conflict to act promptly to implement its terms. In particular we urge the parties to reach agreement on an appropriate interim administration for Abyei. The parties must take steps, with UNMIS assistance to resolve the underlying causes of the Abyei conflict, if further conflict is to be averted. Second, we wish to express our appreciation for the efforts of UNMIS, including actions to mediate between the parties, and to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers. We also commend UNMIS, efforts to urge the parties to facilitate UNMIS its freedom of movement in this endeavor. The troubling episode in Abyei conflict and its aftermath present the opportunity for lessons learned, and we welcome the efforts of UNMIS to review its response to the crisis and to assess force levels in Abyei. We urge UNMIS to take steps so that in any future crisis, it is prepared to do the utmost within its capabilities and mandate to defuse any future crisis and mitigate its effects. Finally, we acknowledge the significant progress that has been made this quarter in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Process. As acknowledged by the Assessment and Evaluation Commission's (AEC) Midterm Review, much of the CPA is being implemented. We welcome these efforts, and urge the parties to continue and renew their commitment to implementing the CPA, with UNMIS, assistance. We welcome the successful conclusion of the fifth national census and we welcome the adoption of the Electoral Law on July 14. We urge the Government of Sudan to continue to take the steps mandated in the CPA toward the preparation of the 2009 elections. We also welcome the establishment of Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) in accordance with the CPA and also in fulfillment of the terms of the June 8 Road Map on Abyei. We urge all parties to redouble their efforts in this area, with the assistance of UNMIS. RICE