Statement on the heavy support package for Darfur, Sudan
Statements | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is encouraged by this development and intends to move expeditiously with the deployment, in close cooperation with the African Union. He affirms his intention to consult with the Government of Sudan and expects the latter to urgently provide the land and other facilities necessary for the deployment of the heavy support package, including permission to explore for water and meet all operational requirements. He encourages the troops and police providers as well as all donors to contribute generously towards the earliest possible strengthening of the peacekeeping operation in Darfur. At the same time, he urges that hostilities on the ground be stopped without any further delay.
The United Nations will intensify its efforts to implement the Addis and Abuja agreements aimed at an inclusive political process and the provision of effective protection of the population, in order to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Darfur, in close consultation with the African Union. It will also maintain close contact with the League of Arab States.
Today, the Secretary-General and the African Union Chairperson, Alpha Oumar Konaré, begin high-level consultations dealing with major aspects of the political process, humanitarian access and effective peacekeeping.