Statement by Representative of the Russian Federation Alexander Repkin at a UN Security Council Meeting on Abyei
Mr.President,
We thank USG J-P.Lacroix and SRSG P.Onanga-Anyanga for the information about the progress of inter-Sudanese settlement and activity of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). We commend the contribution of Ethiopian peacekeepers to effective work of this UN presence.
We consistently support the point that reliable progress of inter-Sudanese settlement requires joint efforts of the sides. We expect that Khartoum and Juba will soon resume work on demarcation. International legal basis for that is in place: there are well-known resolutions by the Security Council and the African Union, a package of bilateral agreements made by the sides in Addis-Ababa in September 2012. We anticipate the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel to continue their relevant engagement with Sudanese sides.
Since the end of last year inter-Sudanese relations have improved. Participation of Khartoum and IGAD in revitalization of South Sudan peace agreement has contributed to settlement in this country. We also commend mediator efforts that President Salva Kiir takes to launch talks between Sudanese authorities and groups that are present in Darfur. This positive momentum in bilateral relations should be used to solve the Abyei issue.
We notice some improvement of the situation in Abyei. Inter-communal dialogue is established, progress in demarcation of border corridors is emerging. We believe UNISFA performs crucial work as it maintains constructive relations with local communes. What is also worth being supported is measures taken by UN workers to ensure inter-communal interaction on issues related to law enforcement and economic activity in the area of the Amiet common market. Otherwise trust cannot be restored and the two communes cannot be reconciled.
We proceed from the assumption that the Joint Border Verification Mechanism is an inalienable part of system of prevention of incidents between the sides. Should UNISFA terminate its support for JBVM, it may negatively impact the prospects of full settlement of the situation around Abyei.
We all know about the factors that prevent Juba and Khartoum from speeding up regulation of Abyei final status. In such circumstances, continuing presence of UNISFA in the region remains relevant.
In this regard, we support the proposal of UN Secretary-General to extend the mandate of JBVM for another 6-month period. At the same time, we believe that Secretariat’s proposals regarding the civil component of the Mission should be considered while accounting for opinions of Khartoum and Juba on the matter, as required by the basic principles of peacekeeping.
Thank you.
