General Assembly Security Council

UNSC briefing/consultations
United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS)
(13 September, 1000 hrs)
 
Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj
Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Thank You Madame President. Let me begin by thanking SRSG Volker Perthes for his detailed briefing on the activities of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). I also thank Ibrahim Mudawi on his presentation.
 
2.​The political transition process that began three years ago continues to face obstacles on the ground. While recent months have witnessed some welcome developments, a stalemate in the process has continued. The latest announcements by the leadership of the Sovereign Council; annulment of the nation-wide emergency; release of political detainees, as well as a decrease in security incidents, are positive signs.
 
3.​We reiterate that Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned, inclusive and credible political dialogue remains critical in efforts to find a lasting solution to the current impasse. In this context, we note the initiatives taken by the Trilateral Mechanism (AU-IGAD-UNITAMS), including their advocacy for the creation of conducive conditions which could enable negotiations between the military and civilians. We encourage the mechanism to continue its efforts and assist Sudanese stakeholders in finding a way forward.
 
4.    We continue to underscore the importance of implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA). While the pace of implementation of various provisions of the Agreement has remained slow, we note the integration of 2000 armed movements members into the Joint Security-Keeping Force and signing of the Native Administration legislation. We also note the progress made with regard to transitional security arrangements for Darfur through the activities of the Darfur Permanent Ceasefire Committee. This momentum needs to be sustained in coming days.
 
5.​The prevailing intercommunal violence in West Darfur can only be tackled effectively by prioritizing reconciliation and addressing the political and security related issues. The signing of local peace agreements should be supported by providing necessary resources.
 
 
6.​The support of the UN Mission to Sudan will be critical during the coming months, particularly in assisting the political transition; implementation of the Juba agreement; and peacebuilding efforts.
 
7.​The ongoing Council deliberations on devising benchmarks for UNSC sanctions on Sudan, currently supervised and implemented by the 1591 Committee of the Security Council, must also consider the complex inter-play of local factors at work, without resorting to an overtly prescriptive approach.We have noted the penholder’s decision to keep in abeyance a decision on sanctions benchmarks for Sudan. This is a welcome move to keep the Security Council united on a sensitive issue like sanctions.
 
8.​On the economic front, the suspension of a significant portion of international donor assistance, together with the pause in engagement by International Financial Institutions, has severely impacted the inflows of overseas development assistance. The funding shortfalls are also impacting the activities of humanitarian actors and their ability to meet growing needs.
 
9.​Madame  President, India has longstanding relations with Sudan and its people. Over the years, India has assisted Sudan through several projects under concessional lines of credit, capacity building and humanitarian assistance. India hopes to see Sudan emerge as a prosperous, peaceful and stable country and towards that objective, we will continue to support Sudan and its people. We remain confident that the people of Sudan will overcome the current challenges and press further ahead towards securing a stable and prosperous future.  
 
I thank you.  
 
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