New York, 14 June 2010

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivan Barbalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations
at the UN Security Council Debate
on Report of the Secretary-General on Sudan

At the outset, let me welcome His Excellency President Mbeki, Chairperson of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel for the Sudan; Mr. Menkerios, Special Representative of the Secretary-General; Mr. Gambari, Joint Special Representative; and Mr. Bassolé, Joint African Union-United Nations Chief Mediator for Darfur, and thank them for their insightful briefings.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which is fundamental and indispensable to peace and stability in the Sudan, is reaching a critical stage. In just more than six months, referendums that will determine the future shape of the Sudan will take place. I would like to reiterate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s support for the full implementation of the CPA.

Bosnia and Herzegovina takes positive note of the progress made by the CPA parties on a number of issues, including adoption of related legislation. It is of the utmost importance that the CPA parties engage constructively in order to address outstanding issues with regard to the implementation of the CPA. Border demarcation, the establishment of the conditions for peaceful referendums, and post-referendum arrangements must be prioritized.

The level of cooperation between the Government of the Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan in the pre- and post-referendum periods will determine the destiny not only of the Sudan but of the entire region. We hope that the CPA parties will resolve all outstanding issues in a friendly and peaceful manner for the benefit of their peoples.

It must be made clear that no option can leave any side a loser. If unity prevails, a just power-sharing system must be established. Moreover, the diversity and equality of all regions, including Darfur, have to be respected. On the other hand, if independence is chosen, both sides must unite around the values and principles of friendly relations and good cooperation.

The Sudan is a good example of close cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. The symbiosis of a universal and regional organization and their collaboration in Darfur through their hybrid mission, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), have not only contributed to an improved situation on the ground, but strengthened hope and paved the way for peace, as well. Experiences from this joint endeavour will help in anticipating solutions for other conflicts and crises in Africa.

A just solution has to be found for the people of  Darfur, who have suffered for too long. A lasting solution for Darfur must include the equal participation by the people of Darfur in the decision-making process and the creation of conditions that will prevent any marginalization of Darfur or its people. Substantial numbers of the population in affected areas and internally displaced persons did not participate in the elections held in April. To address this issue, the Government of the Sudan must find a way to ensure that their voices are integrated into the political process.

Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the political process and mediation efforts in Doha. It is vital that the Doha peace process take place within the timeline of the CPA. As the parties missed an opportunity to conclude peace talks before the elections, it has now become essential to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement for Darfur as soon as possible in order to ensure that its provisions are implemented before the referendum. We call upon all parties to engage constructively to reach a final peace agreement and put an end to the conflict in Darfur.

We commend the African Union High-level Panel and its efforts to reveal the root causes of the conflict in Darfur and marvelous articulation of recommendations for its settlement. The findings of the Panel have also significantly contributed to a better understanding of the situation in the Sudan in its entirety.

It is essential that at this crucial time, regardless of the future status of Southern Sudan, priority be given to capacity-building of its authorities in order to provide security and deliver services to the population.

Only a viable Southern Sudan with a strong local structure will contribute to peace and stability within the region. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the improvement in Chad-Sudan relations and their positive influence on the Doha peace process. Their cooperation along the border has had a positive impact on the security situation on the ground. There will always be an interconnection between the situation in the Sudan and the peace and stability of the region. The people of the Sudan will resolve their own problems, but an enabling environment in the region will also facilitate positive developments in the Sudan.

The African Union Panel wisely contemplated the interconnection among peace, justice and reconciliation in the Sudan. The Sudanese by themselves, with the assistance of the international community, must find a golden equilibrium among peace, justice and reconciliation in order to enter the new phase of a democratic and prosperous Sudan.

At this stage, it is vital that the Governments of the Sudan and Southern Sudan, as well as the international stakeholders, draw lessons from the elections held in April and utilize all resources to better prepare for conducting the referendums in Abyei and Southern Sudan. It is encouraging that the United Nations Mission in the Sudan has already completed its team for the preparation of the referendums.

In conclusion, at this critical time all peace processes in the Sudan — resolution of the conflict in Darfur, the CPA, and North-South relations — deserve the full attention of the international community. We must all assist the peoples of the Sudan to find their way towards a better future for their country and the entire region.
 
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