Statement by H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty Natalegawa 24 June 2008
Mr. President, I join other Security Council members in welcoming once again the Special Envoys, Mr. Jan Eliasson and Mr. Salim Salim, to the Security Council, and in expressing my delegation’s gratitude for their service to peace in Darfur. Mr. President, The situation in Darfur today is dire, as the Security Council had witnessed for itself when visiting the region earlier this month. It is indeed deeply troubling that the Darfur conflict has intensified, that the humanitarian situation has worsened, and that the political process has faltered. More than that, however, it is disconcerting that all of these have taken place after the adoption of resolution 1769 last July and the initiation of the Sirte political process last October. My delegation remains convinced that the attainment of political reconciliation and agreement would have to be at the centre in the settlement of the Darfur crisis, by addressing the root causes rather than the symptoms of the conflict. Peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and courts of justice can and have to complement the political process, and perhaps even create the conditions for it, but they cannot be a substitute for it. We commend the sustained and untiring efforts and hard work of the Special Envoys and the joint mediation team. The appointment of the AU/UN joint mediator, after the necessary consultations, without any further delay, is essential. My delegation believes that the Security Council, for its part, needs to give greater focus and attention to the political process, and to take action as necessary to support the process. The Security Council together with the Secretary-General would need also to review the United Nations’ strategy for Darfur and seek improvements that could be made. Members of the international community who could prevail over the rebels have, we believe, the responsibility to do so. Putting pressure on them, that we agree very much. We appreciate also the potential contribution of normalization of relations between Sudan and Chad in promoting agreement in Darfur. Ultimately, however, it is for the parties themselves to come to the table and to achieve a political agreement. They need to realize the unique support of the international community in this endeavor. It is not often that the international community lends its support and helps rebel groups to unify in negotiations with the government. Therefore, the international community needs to be assured that this course of action remains the most viable one to continue. Mr. President, The security situation is increasingly worrying and increasingly compounding the humanitarian situation. We are deeply concerned by reports of humanitarian organizations reducing their operations due to the security situation. In spite of the less than ambitious political process, UNAMID’s deployment must take place as scheduled, to help among other things strengthen security and protect civilians. The Secretary-General noted in his latest report on UNAMID that the security situation has deteriorated throughout Darfur, that significant clashes have continued between tribal groups, between rebel movements, and between rebel movements and the Government and its affiliated forces, and that acts of banditry have continued to increase with attacks against UNAMID and humanitarian personnel. In spite of these difficulties, we need to do all we can to help the people of Darfur. It is clear that UNAMID’s deployment needs to be accelerated as much as possible. There real hurdles to be overcomed, not least infrastructure and logistical ones. In this regard, we urge closer cooperation, coordination and consultation between the Secretariat and UNAMID’s headquarters with Sudanese authorities. Mr. President, Military solution is not possible in Darfur, otherwise we would not be discussing the Darfur situation today. All the parties should cease all hostilities even though they have yet to exhaust their energy. This energy should be directed to the negotiating table rather than the battle front. Once again, Mr. President, political process is key. The plight and the future of the civilian population should be reason enough to do this. Thank you.
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