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UN
Press encounter after Security Council formal meeting on Sudan,(unofficial transcript)
Press events | Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General
Press events | Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, the [Security] Council seems to be taking positive steps to lift sanctions against countries that are cooperating with this anti-terrorism campaign. How significant is that, and what role do you see for the UN?
SG: I think it is important that the Council has lifted sanctions against Sudan because it has complied, as we heard from the President, and also the letters that we received from organizations and governments around the world, including the two governments directly affected, who were keen for sanctions to be imposed - that is - Egypt and Ethiopia.
I think it is also important that the Council lift sanctions, sending out the message that it can impose sanctions but it can also suspend and lift sanctions, if the conditions they sought to correct have been amended. So I think it is a very important day for Sudan, and also for the way the Council works. Thank you very much. *****