Security Council Press Statement on Southern Sudan Referendum

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ivan Barbalić ( Bosnia and Herzegovina):

The members of the Security Council welcome the Sudanese parties’ reaffirmation of their commitment to full and timely implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), including their commitment to respect the outcome of the southern Sudan referendum, and appreciate, in this regard, the statements by President Omar al Bashir during his visit to Juba on 4 January 2011 and by Vice-President Salva Kiir in his 3 January 2011 New Year message.  The members of the Council reaffirm full support for the efforts of the parties.

The members of the Security Council welcome the progress made towards the holding of a peaceful and credible southern Sudan referendum that reflects the will of the people and commend in particular the work of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission.  The members of the Council look forward to the start of voting on 9 January and urge the CPA parties to ensure that the 9–15 January voting process and subsequent counting and tabulation take place in an atmosphere of peace and calm, with ongoing reassurance that the rights, safety, and property of people of all nationalities in Sudan, including southerners in the north and northerners in the south, will be respected.  The members of the Council urge the CPA parties to respect their obligations.

The members of the Council reaffirm support for the work of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Panel for the Referenda, led by President Benjamin Mkapa.

The members of the Security Council note with deep concern the absence of an agreement on Abyei.  The members of the Council strongly urge the parties to quickly reach agreement on Abyei and to resolve critical post-referendum issues, including the border, security, citizenship, debts, assets, currency and natural resources.

The members of the Security Council are deeply concerned by the increase in violence and insecurity in Darfur during December 2010, in particular, at Khor Abeche, Shaeria, Shangil Tobaya and Dar Al Salaam, which has resulted in the displacement of an estimated 40,000 civilians.  The members of the Council urge all parties to cease hostilities immediately and to ensure full and unhindered access for UNAMID throughout the mission area, and for humanitarian workers to all populations in need of assistance.  The members of the Security Council recall the importance of ending impunity,and of justice for crimes committed in Darfur.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm support for the African Union-United Nations-led peace process for Darfur, hosted by the Government of Qatar, and urge all groups to join the process without further delay or preconditions.

The members of the Security Council will continue to follow events in Sudan closely.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record