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Statement by Ambassador Dai Bing at Security Council Meeting on Abyei

2020-10-22 00:31

Madam President,

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga for their respective briefings.

The political settlement of the Abyei issue is the consensus of the Security Council, and it requires Sudan and South Sudan to reach a solution through dialogue and negotiation. I would like to make the following three points.

First, China welcomes the continued rapprochement between the two countries. Sudan and South Sudan have demonstrated their willingness to resolve the final status of Abyei and have appointed their respective chief administrators for the area. China acknowledges these developments. The Security Council should fully respect the leadership of Sudan and South Sudan on the Abyei issue, and encourage both parties to engage in closer consultations and direct dialogue. The international community should support the African Union, IGAD, as well as other regional and sub-regional organizations in their good offices, and facilitate Sudan and South Sudan's cooperation and the establishment of administrative, judicial, and security institutions in Abyei.

Second, China is concerned about the ongoing intercommunal clashes in Abyei, and hopes that all parties concerned will put peace and stability first and refrain from taking any actions that may intensify tensions. China urges all local communities to actively respond to Secretary-General's appeal for global ceasefire, commit to silencing the guns in Africa by 2020, and promote inter- community consultations and traditional leaders dialogue with the support of the United Nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already grim humanitarian situation in Abyei. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and hundreds of thousands are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The international community should provide targeted aid to help Sudan and South Sudan alleviate the plight in Abyei.

Third, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is an important force for the maintenance of peace and stability in the Abyei area and plays an indispensable role in the political settlement of the Abyei issue. China supports UNISFA's continued discharge of its mandate. Attacks against UNISFA personnel have occurred from time to time, seriously threatening the safety of peacekeepers. We hope that UNISFA will make every effort to minimize the security risks of peacekeepers.

Medivac remains a major challenge that hampers UNISFA's capability, and therefore requires timely remedial measures. We call on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to facilitate the performance of UNISFA's mandated activities. The mission should also maintain close communication with the two governments and enhance mutual trust. China supports the extension of UNISFA's mandate as recommended by the Secretary-General.

Thank you, Madam President.

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