SC/8601
22 December 2005
Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1651 (2005), Security Council Extends Mandate of Expert Monitoring Panel Concerning Violations in Darfur
In Presidential Statement, Council also Demands End to Atrocities, Violence by All Parties
NEW YORK, 21 December (UN Headquarters) -- In its last scheduled meeting for the year, the Security Council today, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter, decided to extend until 29 March 2006 the mandate of the four-member panel of experts appointed to assist in monitoring implementation of the travel ban and assets freeze on those impeding the peace process in Darfur, committing human rights violations, and violating measures set out in previous resolutions.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1651 (2005), the Council also requested the panel to report and make recommendations to it, through the Committee established by resolution 1591 (2005), on the implementation of the measures imposed.
In light of the failure of all parties to the conflict in Darfur to fulfil their commitments, the Council decided, through resolution 1591 of 29 March, to increase pressure on them by imposing a travel ban and assets freeze. In doing so, it also established a committee consisting of all Council members to designate those individuals subject to the measures and to monitor their implementation.
To assist the committee in monitoring implementation of the measures, the Council had also requested the Secretary-General to appoint a four-member panel of experts based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In other action, the Council, welcoming the commencement in Abuja, Nigeria, of the seventh round of the African Union-led inter-Sudanese peace talks on Darfur, called on all parties to the conflict to fulfil their commitments to conclude a just and full peace accord without further delay.
In a statement read out by its President, Adam Thomson (United Kingdom), after the adoption of the resolution, the Council also demanded that all parties refrain from violence and put an end to atrocities on the ground, especially those committed against civilians, including women and children, humanitarian workers, and international peacekeepers.
The Council demanded, in particular, that the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and the Government of the Sudan immediately cease violence, comply with the N'djamena Ceasefire Agreement, end impediments to the peace process, and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission in Sudan, and that the Government of the Sudan disarm and control militias. It further demanded that those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law be brought to justice without delay.
In addition, the Council recalled its concern that the persisting violence in Darfur might further negatively affect the region, in particular the security of Chad. It firmly condemned, in that context, recent attacks perpetrated by armed elements within Chad and, in particular, the attack on 19 December on positions of the Chadian national army in the town of Adré, and supported efforts to reduce tensions on the border.
In the broader Sudan context, the Council welcomed further progress achieved in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in particular the signing of the Constitution for Southern Sudan and the formation of the Government of Southern Sudan.
The meeting began at 5:58 p.m. and ended at 6:05 p.m.
Council Resolution
The full text of resolution 1651 (2005) reads, as follows:
"The Security Council,
"Recalling its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Sudan, in particular resolutions 1591 (2005) of 29 March 2005 and 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, and statements of its President concerning Sudan,
"Stressing its firm commitment to the cause of peace throughout Sudan, including through the African Union (AU)-led inter-Sudanese peace talks in Abuja ("Abuja Talks"), full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and an end to the violence and atrocities in Darfur,
"Urging all parties at the Abuja Talks to reach without further delay an agreement that will establish a basis for peace, reconciliation, stability and justice in Sudan,
"Recalling the 7 October 2005 midterm briefing of the Panel of Experts appointed by the Secretary-General, further to paragraph 3 (b) of resolution 1591 (2005), and anticipating the receipt of its final report,
"Emphasizing the need to respect the provisions of the Charter concerning privileges and immunities, and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, as applicable to United Nations operations and persons engaged in such operations,
"Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and cooperation in the relations among States in the region,
"Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
"Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
"1. Decides to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) until 29 March 2006, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures;
"2. Requests the Panel of Experts to report and make recommendations to the Council, through the Committee established by paragraph 3 (a) of resolution 1591 (2005), prior to the termination of its mandate, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraphs 3, 6 and 7 of resolution 1591 (2005) and paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004);
"3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter."
Presidential Statement
The full text of the presidential statement, to be issued as S/PRST/2005/67, reads, as follows:
"The Security Council welcomes the commencement in Abuja, Nigeria, of the seventh round of the African Union (AU)-led inter-Sudanese peace talks on Darfur, and expresses its appreciation to the African Union, the international community and the other donors.
"The Security Council is encouraged by the active participation of representatives from all invited groups of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), as well as members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement as part of the Government of National Unity, and urge their continued cooperation with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
"The Security Council calls on all parties to the conflict to fulfil their commitments to conclude a just and full peace accord without further delay. The Security Council demands that all parties refrain from violence and put an end to atrocities on the ground, especially those committed against civilians, including women and children, humanitarian workers, and international peacekeepers.
"The Security Council recalls the demands on the Government of Sudan and the rebel forces as well as other armed groups to respect fully their commitments referred to in its recent resolutions. The Council demands, in particular, that the SLM/A, the JEM and the Government of Sudan immediately cease violence, comply with the N'djamena Ceasefire Agreement, end impediments to the peace process and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission, and that the Government of Sudan disarm and control militias. It further demands that those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law be brought to justice without delay.
"The Security Council recalls its concern that the persisting violence in Darfur might further negatively affect the region, in particular the security of Chad. It firmly condemns in this context recent attacks perpetrated by armed elements within Chad and in particular the attack on 19 December 2005 on positions of the Chadian national army in the town of Adré, and supports efforts to reduce tensions on the border.
"The Council reaffirms its determination to make full use of existing measures under the relevant Security Council resolutions on Sudan, including holding accountable those responsible for violence and violations of the arms embargo, and those who impede the peace process.
"The Security Council expresses its gratitude to the African Union and its Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for the positive role its forces have played in reducing violence and promoting the restoration of order in Darfur.
"The Security Council also appeals to donors to continue both supporting the crucial work of AMIS in stemming the violence in this suffering region and providing critical humanitarian assistance to millions of war-afflicted civilians in Darfur and across the border in Chad.
"In the broader Sudan context, the Security Council welcomes further progress achieved in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in particular the signing of the Constitution for Southern Sudan and the formation of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS)."
* *** *
