19-11-04 - The Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan

(Check against delivery)

Mr President

Thank you for this opportunity to address the Council on the situation in Sudan. It is my honour to speak on behalf of New Zealand and my own country, Australia.

Mr President

The governments of New Zealand and Australia continue to be gravely concerned about the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights conditions in Darfur. We welcome this special meeting of the Security Council in Nairobi and we urge the Council to take every possible step to resolve the conflicts in Sudan, which have had a terrible impact on people throughout the country.

With respect to the North/South conflict we commend the Security Council�€™s efforts to support the urgent conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. After 21 years of civil war, the current negotiations offer a real opportunity for a comprehensive political solution for the problems in Sudan. The devastating conflict in Darfur is glaring evidence of the risks of continued instability and there is no time to waste. We are heartened by the signature this morning of the �€œMemorandum of Understanding�€? to conclude a final settlement by the end of this year and we urge the Council to maintain pressure on all parties at this critical stage.

Mr President

Our countries are deeply concerned at reports that the situation in Darfur is deteriorating yet further. We are appalled by reports of horrific atrocities committed against the civilian population of Darfur in recent months.

Let me be clear that we look to all parties to the conflict to prevent immediately further attacks on civilians. We welcome the agreement on humanitarian and security protocols reached between the Government of Sudan, the Sudanese Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement and call on the parties to implement their commitments without delay. The parties must be under no illusion about the seriousness with which the international community sees the situation in Darfur, and must respond quickly and meaningfully.

Mr President

Our countries are making a contribution to international efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan through the provision of substantial funding for UN operations, support for the African Union�€™s mission and humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflict.

We applaud the African Union for its proactive role in resolving the crisis in Darfur, and welcome the decision to expand the African Union�€™s monitoring mission to Darfur. The international community must make every effort to ensure the success of the African Union mission to Darfur. Our governments offer their full support to the African Union mission.

Mr President

The governments of New Zealand and Australia will continue to support efforts to find a lasting solution to the multiple crises in Sudan. Only sustained, coordinated international action will bring these conflicts to an end.

Thank you Mr President