Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on the situation in Sudan
Mme.President,
We thank Special Representative Perthes for the updates on the developments in Sudan. We take note of the report by our Ghanaian colleague Ambassador Oppong-Ntiri about the work of UNSC Sanctions Committee 1591 over the past 90 days. We welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan, Ambassador Al-Harith Idris, to this meeting.
On 5 December, military leadership of the Republic of Sudan signed a framework political agreement with a number of parties and civil society associations that are part of the Central Council of the former ruling coalition ‘Forces for Freedom and Change’. The framework deal that was signed in Khartoum should regulate how Sudan is going to be governed during the transition period. It envisages establishment of a civil government headed by a Prime Minister; a new convocation of Sudan's chief collective authority – the Supreme (Sovereign) Council; a transitional legislative assembly to include various political forces by quotas; start of work on a new constitution; and a prolongation of the transitional period for two years to be followed by general elections.
We believe implementation of these agreements will mark an important step towards stabilization of internal political situation in Sudan. We also hope that this will help to resume donor assistance to that country, which would promote resolution of acute socio-economic challenges.
Now there is a need to focus on the implementation of the signed document. This requires close engagement with all influential political forces and ethno-confessional groups of Sudan, including non-parties to the agreement. This would create conditions for promotion of the political process, aimed at reaching broad national accord. We are convinced that the people of Sudan have capabilities to solve all outstanding problems by themselves, without external interference.
We call on the AU-IGAD-UN Trilateral Mechanism to continue efforts in support of the country-wide political process in Sudan, and elaboration of a constitutional document that should pull together all major political forces.
We again call on the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan under the lead of SRSG Perthes to act in full accordance with its mandate that has been stipulated in UNSC resolutions while paying equal attention to all its components. What’s particularly important at this stage is to intensify efforts that should boost donor assistance. The framework agreement makes this task especially relevant. We believe that attempts to link the issue of resumption of international assistance to the issue of transferring state power in Sudan to a civil government are hypocritical.
Mme.President,
We note the stabilization in Darfur that has taken place in recent months. We believe this should be credited to the military leadership of the country that puts out outbreaks of tension in a timely manner and implements vital initiatives (to the best of its opportunities and available resources) for reconciliation and normalization of everyday life. We count on the centralized and local authorities to take timely measures to prevent inter-communal escalation.
Mme.President,
Today’s quarterly briefing is the last one before the next review of the Sudanese sanctions regime in the Security Council, which is pending in February. The current situation in Darfur requires the sanctions restrictions that were imposed on the country 17 years ago to be revisited. UNSC sanctions not only ceased to be relevant and serve the cause of the political process, but also started to deter the work of the Sudanese government on the regional scale and affect the population. We hope that the Security Council will be able to resolve this problem next year by means of a constructive dialogue.
In conclusion, let me express hope that our friendly Sudan will overcome all difficulties with success and embark on the path of sustainable development. Russia is prepared to support this process in every possible way.
Thank you.
