UNMIS to Patrol Potential Flashpoints During Elections

29 March 2010 - (Khartoum) – The United Nations Mission in Sudan says that UNMIS peacekeeping forces will participate in patrolling areas threatened by conflicts during the elections period in Sudan.

The new UN Special Representative in Sudan, the head of UNMIS, Haile Menkerios, addressed a press conference in Khartoum on Sunday.

[Haile Menkerios]: “While the responsibility to provide security during elections lies with the GONU and the Government of Southern Sudan in its area, our peacekeeping forces will also assist in enhancing security in areas where threats of armed confrontation may exist. I wish to state very clearly that the United Nations does not have a monitoring role in these elections.”

Menkerios urged that elections must take place on schedule in order to achieve the goals of lasting peace and democratic transformation in Sudan.

[Haile Menkerios]: “The coming elections have two inseparable functions – first, they are an important and essential benchmark in the implementation of the CPA. Second, they are intended to usher in a democratic process in Sudan. I believe these two functions are inseparable and essential for long-term stability in the country.”

Menkerios disclosed that as part of UNMIS’ involvement in intensive election security training, UNMIS has trained about 24,000 police officers. Seventeen thousand in northern Sudan and over 7000 in southern Sudan.