Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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09STATE127702 | 2009-12-14 20:29:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Secretary of State |
VZCZCXYZ0003 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHC #7702 3482031 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O R 142029Z DEC 09 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000 INFO RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 0000 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RUEATRS/TREASURY DEPT WASHINGTON DC 0000 RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC |
UNCLAS STATE 127702 |
1. This is an action request. USUN may draw upon the points in para 4 in the Council consultations regarding the UNSC Sudan sanctions regime on 15 December. -------------------------- BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE -------------------------- 2. On 15 December, the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan ("the Sudan Sanctions Committee") will brief the UN Security Council on the work of the Sudan Sanctions Committee over the last 90 days in accordance with paragraph 3(a)(iv) of resolution 1591 (2005). The Chairman is expected to brief the UNSC on: the new Panel of Experts (POE) being constituted pursuant to UNSCR 1891 (2009); the new DPKO guidelines for enhanced cooperation and coordination between peacekeeping missions and sanctions expert panels; and interactions with the Sudanese Permanent Representative regarding some of the POE's recommendations. China, Libya, Turkey and Russia will likely criticize the POE report as being unbalanced and not reflecting the progress on the ground. 3. KEY OBJECTIVE: Express U.S. support for the independent reporting of the sanctions committees' expert groups, which play a key role in reporting on Member States' implementation of the sanctions. -------------------------- TALKING POINTS -------------------------- 4. -- Thank you Ambassador Meyer-Harting for your leadership of this important Committee. We deeply regret, however, that this Committee has not been able to reach consensus on ways to improve the implementation of the measures adopted by the Council in its resolution 1591 (2005). I would like to make three brief points: -- First, the United States condemns the continued sexual and gender based violence, blatant disregard for the arms embargo by all parties to the conflict, and continued aerial bombings as reported by the Panel of Experts. The U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan has visited Darfur numerous times and raised the issue of sexual and gender based violence with both the Government of Sudan and UNAMID leadership. More must be done by both these security actors within Darfur to provide greater security in and around IDP camps where most of this violence occurs. The continued environment of impunity in Darfur and culture of fear that exists amongst the local population to report these crimes is unacceptable. The continued violations of the arms embargo by both the government and Darfuri armed movements are extremely problematic and violators of the arms embargo should be held accountable. The continued aerial bombings reported by the Panel also concern us. To this end, the United States calls on all parties to the conflict to take all measures to respect and protect the safety of the civilian population and refrain from further attacks of any kind. We would also like to highlight the Panel,s recognition of the Chad-Sudan conflict as a key element to the situation in Darfur. We believe that the UNSC should examine ways that it can further support the easing of tensions between Chad and Sudan that have contributed to the conflict. -- Second, in light of the troubling situation in Sudan, it is very unfortunate that the UN sanctions regime is not being fully implemented. UN sanctions regime are an important element of the international community's efforts to support peace and security in Sudan. Consistent violations of the arms embargo, increased cross border tensions, recruitment of child soldiers contrary to international law, and use of militarized civilian vehicles undercut political progress, decrease UNAMID's effectiveness, and undermine stability. Better implementation of the arms embargo, expanded by resolution 1591 (2005), could significantly reduce the flow of arms to all sides in the Darfur conflict. Also, better use of the targeted measures could give peace mediators a useful tool to marginalize spoilers. The Member States of the Council should stand behind its previous decision, and use all the tools at its disposal to work together in light of our common goal to end the conflict in Sudan. -- And, third, the United States emphasizes its strong support for the Panel of Experts. We will continue to push to safeguard the independence and freedom of movement of this Panel and is members, as well as the other UN sanctions committees' expert panels and members. Certainly, there are times when Governments may not fully agree with the findings of the Panel of Experts. However, we must work together to preserve the valuable role of these expert groups, which for a decade have helped the Council monitor the implementation of its decisions. We are troubled by reports that some Member States do not work with the Sudan Panel of Experts and then criticize the Panel for a "lack of evidence." All parties, including the UN Secretariat and UN field missions, should consider ways to support more fully the Panel's work. We are pleased that DPKO has introduced guidelines governing its relationship with the Panel of Experts, which we expect will improve information sharing and cooperation. END TALKING POINTS. 5. Department appreciates Mission's efforts. CLINTON |