UN Troubled Over Insecurity In Darfur

19 July 2010 - (Khartoum) – The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mister Alain Le Roy says the UN is deeply troubled by the on-going insecurity in Darfur.

Mister Le Roy made this remark in Khartoum on Saturday.

[Alain Le Roy]: “We are deeply troubled about continued attacks against the UN personnel in Darfur and continued impunity which affects the lives of all civilians living the three states. All forms of violence against UN personnel and humanitarian personnel and ambush, abduction and that of banditry must cease immediately. We call on Sudanese authorities to do all they can to ensure the safety and security of UNAMID peacekeepers. We also ask the government to bring perpetrators of these attacks to justice. Concrete step to address impunity will send a clear message to those contemplating violence on peacekeepers and humanitarian actors. We remain also concerned by constraint on UNAMID freedom of movement. In order to UNAMID to conduct its mandated activities, and for our agencies and NGOs on to provide aid to civilians affected by conflict, they must be permitted to move freely throughout Darfur particularly in conflict affected areas.”

Le Roy also expressed UN’s readiness to assist Sudan in conducting the referendum.

[Alain Le Roy]: “So the UN is committed to assisting the parties move forward in a peaceful, fair and credible manner, and we continue to urge the parties to take steps necessary to engage international supports”.

Mister Alain Le Roy was speaking in Khartoum on Saturday.