SUDAN ELECTIONS: UNSC DRAFT PRESS STATEMENT

UNCLAS STATE 103665 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM SU XA XW SUBJECT: SUDAN ELECTIONS: UNSC DRAFT PRESS STATEMENT ¶1. Action Request: Department requests that USUN seek a UN Security Council Press Statement regarding preparations for elections in Sudan at the earliest opportunity. USUN should refer any substantive changes to the draft press statement in paragraph two to the Department prior to adoption. ¶2. Begin draft statement: The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on elections in Sudan (S/2009/391.) Elections are a critical milestone in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The Security Council emphasizes that the parties to the CPA must take ownership of the electoral process and calls on both parties and the relevant national authorities to accelerate and increase the transparency of elections preparations. The Security Council notes with concern that the National Elections Commission still has not released a complete operational plan or budget for the administration and organization of elections, which would enable donors and observers to fully assist in the electoral process. The Council is deeply concerned that no final political resolution related to census results has been reached. Expeditious resolution of these issues is an essential part of the electoral process, and the Council urges the National Congress Party, the Sudan People,s Liberation Movement and relevant national authorities immediately to address these issues. The Security Council calls on the parties to the CPA and the relevant national authorities to ensure the establishment of an electoral environment conducive to free, fair, transparent, inclusive and credible elections. The Council is gravely concerned about the decision by the NEC not to put in place policies addressing registration of internally displaced persons and refugees, which are a critical part of enabling the greatest number of persons to exercise their right to vote. The Security Council also emphasizes that domestic and international election monitors will be an important element of transparent and accountable elections and encourages policies facilitating elections observation. The Council welcomes the announcement that direct nightly censorship of newspapers has ended and urges the government to revise all laws that restrict civil liberties. The Security Council stresses that during the elections period, it is essential that there be sufficient security and safety to permit the voting population to cast their ballots in an environment free of insecurity or retribution, and action is needed now to ensure such security exists. The Council calls on government authorities to accelerate preparations for providing electoral security. ¶3. Please report action to IO/UNP action officer Trina Saha (SahaTD@state.gov or 202-647-2641.) CLINTON