August 9, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan’s foreign minister today informed the head of the hybrid peacekeeping operation of its rejection of the UN resolution extending UNAMID’s mandate in Darfur because it attempts to modify the initial version.

Ibrahim Gambari (UN)

The UN Security Council in its resolution 2003 voted on 29 July decided to extend the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur for one year. The Council further mentioned the increase of violence and new waves of displacement in the region.

It is also underlined the interference between the different conflicts in Darfur, Abyei, South Kordofan and asked the UN Secretary General to coordinate closely between the UNAMID, UNISFA of Abyei and the UNMISS of the Republic of South Sudan.

The 15 member council also disregarded a demand filed by the African Union urging to support a Darfur based political process to be held by a panel headed by the former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Further it urged Sudan to lift a state of emergency and improve the security conditions to create suitable atmosphere for such process.

Minister Ali Karti, in a meeting held today in Khartoum, informed the Joint Special Representative of Sudan’s rejection to the false information and attempts to enlarge the mandate of the UNAMID in the resolution 2003, said the foreign ministry spokesperson Al-Obaid Marawih on Tuesday following the meeting.

The minister also slammed the international community saying it commenced to target the Sudan instead of appreciating the efforts exerted by Khartoum government to achieve peace in the restive region in close cooperation with the international community, Al-Obeid further said.

Last Tuesday 2 August, Karti said his ministry sent a letter to the UN expressing its refusal to the content of the resolution 2003 and threatened to cancel the UNAMID mandate if the latter tries to implement any measure not included in its initial mandate or the SOFA signed between Sudan and the hybrid mission.

He also accused the Council of attempting to interfere in Sudan’s internal affairs in reaction to the demand to lift the state of emergency in Darfur, allowing free expression and ensure accountability for Darfur crimes.

According to Al-Obeid, Gambari reaffirmed his keenness to make the UNAMID as an example of a successful peacekeeping operation in Africa, and informed the minister on the steps undertaken by the UNAMID to implement the Doha peace agreement.

Sudan last July filed a complaint to the African Union against Ibrahim Gambari for asking the Security Council to press Khartoum to lift the state of emergency before to launch the political process that he supports.

Sudanese government signed a peace agreement with the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) on the 14 July. But the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) asked to engage direct talks on a framework document for peace in Darfur.

However Khartoum rejected JEM’s demand and reminded that the rebel group has three months to join the peace deal. While an advance delegation form LJM former rebels are expected to arrive to the Sudanese capital on 16 August.

(ST)