VZCZCXRO2037
PP RUEHGI RUEHMA RUEHROV RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #8183 2282150
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 152145Z AUG 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 2778
INFO DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS STATE 088183
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC SU CD
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNMIS CONSULTATIONS IN SECURITY
COUNCIL
1. In the August 18 Security Counsultations on UNMIS, USUN
may draw on the following points for discussions in the
Council:
The United States thanks the Secretary General for this
report. We agree with the Secretary-General,s assessment
that full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
is the cornerstone of any durable settlement in Sudan, and is
essential to end the suffering of the Sudanese people. For
this reason, we wholeheartedly support the efforts of the
UNMIS operation to assist the Northern and Southern portions
of Sudan in implementing the CPA. Today, I would first like
to discuss our deep concern at the recent outbreaks of
conflict that threaten the peace process, and urge the
parties to make every effort to seek reconciliation.
Second, I would like to discuss UNMIS, role in mitigating
the outbreak of fighting in Abyei and assisting with the
implementation of the June 8 Road Map on Abyei, and urge that
UNMIS continue to draw on the lessons learned in this episode
to further improve its operations. Finally, I would like to
welcome the progress that has been made in implementing the
CPA, through the conduct of the census, the preparations for
the 2009 elections and continued wealth sharing.
First, the United States is deeply troubled by the violent
skirmishes in recent months between the Sudan Armed Forces
(SAF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) that have
threatened the hard-won peace process between North and
South. Last May,s conflict in Abyei posed a clear danger to
the peace process established by the CPA. We welcome the
June 8 Road Map, and urge the parties to the Abyei conflict
to act promptly to implement its terms. In particular we
urge the parties to reach agreement on an appropriate interim
administration for Abyei. The parties must take steps, with
UNMIS assistance to resolve the underlying causes of the
Abyei conflict, if further conflict is to be averted.
Second, we wish to express our appreciation for the efforts
of UNMIS, including actions to mediate between the parties,
and to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian
workers. We also commend UNMIS, efforts to urge the parties
to facilitate UNMIS its freedom of movement in this endeavor.
The troubling episode in Abyei conflict and its aftermath
present the opportunity for lessons learned, and we welcome
the efforts of UNMIS to review its response to the crisis and
to assess force levels in Abyei. We urge UNMIS to take steps
so that in any future crisis, it is prepared to do the utmost
within its capabilities and mandate to defuse any future
crisis and mitigate its effects.
Finally, we acknowledge the significant progress that has
been made this quarter in implementing the Comprehensive
Peace Process. As acknowledged by the Assessment and
Evaluation Commission's (AEC) Midterm Review, much of the CPA
is being implemented. We welcome these efforts, and urge the
parties to continue and renew their commitment to
implementing the CPA, with UNMIS, assistance. We welcome
the successful conclusion of the fifth national census and we
welcome the adoption of the Electoral Law on July 14. We
urge the Government of Sudan to continue to take the steps
mandated in the CPA toward the preparation of the 2009
elections. We also welcome the establishment of Joint
Integrated Units (JIUs) in accordance with the CPA and also
in fulfillment of the terms of the June 8 Road Map on Abyei.
We urge all parties to redouble their efforts in this area,
with the assistance of UNMIS.
RICE