UN MISSION IN SUDAN: USUN TALKING POINTS FOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 110980 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPKO UNSC SU SUBJECT: UN MISSION IN SUDAN: USUN TALKING POINTS FOR CONSULTATIONS ¶1. This is an action request. USUN may draw from the points in paragraph 2 during consultations before the Security Council on the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) scheduled for October 28, 2009. ¶2. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report and SRSG Qazi for his briefing. The United States also wishes to express condolences to UNMIS, Pakistan, and the family of UNMIS Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Moinuddin. The heinous act that took his life is intolerable, and we hope justice will be done. --Today, I would like to address three key elements for the future of UNMIS: first, the 2010 elections; second, increasing the capacity of UNMIS to protect civilians; and third, preparing UNMIS to deal with further humanitarian crisis. --Last Monday, the United States released its new strategy on Sudan, demonstrating our deep commitment to improving the lives of the Sudanese people. This is a carefully considered and results-oriented strategy. Our policy emphasizes three strategic objectives: first, to reach a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights violations, and genocide in Darfur; second, to realize effective implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South, resulting in a peaceful post-2011 Sudan or an orderly path toward two separate and viable states at peace with each other; and third, to ensure that Sudan does not provide a safe haven for international terrorists. --The United States is prepared to work with all sides to see these goals attained. We will employ incentives as appropriate and exert real pressure as needed on any party that fails to act to improve the lives of the people of Sudan. We are fully committed to this endeavor, and we urge all parties and the international community to support efforts to reach these core objectives. --The United States views credible elections in all of Sudan in 2010 as an important step in the process of peace building. We remain concerned about the ability of all Sudanese, especially Darfuris, to participate meaningfully in elections. This is not solely a technical issue of clarifying registration and identification procedures for internally displaced persons, but also a political issue that requires tangible actions on the ground demonstrating, especially to Darfuris, that it is in their interest to participate in elections. --We also remain concerned that the parties lack the necessary political will to guarantee freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. The recently signed Criminal Procedures Act allows state governors or district commissioners to restrict campaigning by political parties and is a far cry from the type of legislation that would facilitate political freedom. --The time before scheduled elections is rapidly approaching, and the task remains enormous. While the primary responsibility for conducting the elections lies with the Sudanese, the international community also must be ready to work quickly with the parties to secure the basic elements necessary for credible elections. The United States has already provided substantial elections assistance and will continue to do so, provided the parties demonstrate the political will that is necessary to resolve remaining issues. --The United States is deeply disturbed by the escalating and pervasive violence in southern Sudan that has resulted in substantial death and displacement. As President Obama has noted, the protection of civilians is becoming more difficult for peacekeepers; this is true in Sudan. While the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) bears primary responsibility for protecting its citizens, UNMIS also has an invaluable role to play, and we encourage the mission to continue refining its concept of operations to reflect the importance of civilian protection. --UNMIS covers a broad territory and cannot be in all places at all times. Developing highly mobile units that can rapidly deploy is one part of providing effective civilian protection. Similarly, working to resolve tribal tensions and identifying potential hotspots can prevent conflict from beginning in the first place. UNMIS needs a mission-wide strategy on the protection of civilians of which these can STATE 00110980 002 OF 002 play a part. --The deteriorating humanitarian situation in southern Sudan caused by inter-tribal violence and attacks by the Lord,s Resistance Army is alarming. The Secretary-General,s report estimated that this violence has displaced approximately 250,000 persons in southern Sudan since January 2009. The violence, along with other factors, may cause as many as 1.5 million people to face a severe food shortage in the coming months. We recognize UNMIS, efforts in working with the humanitarian community in an attempt to avoid another humanitarian crisis, and believe such a crisis would only lead to further instability in the region. The United States stands ready to assist in relief efforts, and we strongly encourage other Member States to contribute the necessary assistance in order to avoid the spread of malnutrition and possible famine. --In conclusion, we believe serious work is needed if elections are to take place in 2010. We urge UNMIS to focus efforts on a mission-wide approach to the protection of civilians, particularly in preparing for elections. The international community must also closely monitor the humanitarian situation in southern Sudan and do its utmost to assist in avoiding another humanitarian crisis. We must also remain focused on resolving issues related to the Three Areas, the north-south border demarcation, and Abyei. The tasks before us are enormous, but they must be completed in order to help Sudan secure a permanent peace. --Thank you. CLINTON