SC/8702
26 April 2006
In Presidential Statement, Security Council Notes "With Deep Concern" Deteriorating Relations between Chad, Sudan
NEW YORK, 25 April (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this afternoon endorsed the Secretary-General's deep concern over the political and security situation along Chad's borders with the Sudan, as well as over the possible spillover effects of those crises on neighbouring countries and the entire region.
In a statement read out by Wang Guangya (China), its President for April, the Council noted, with deep concern, the deteriorating relationship between Chad and the Sudan, and urged both countries to abide by their obligations under the Tripoli Agreement of 8 February 2006, as well as to start implementing the confidence-building measures voluntarily agreed upon. Both Chad and the Sudan must refrain from any actions that violated their common border.
The Council expressed its concern about the situation of refugees from the Sudan's Darfur region and the Central African Republic, as well as the situation of the thousands of internally displaced persons in Chad. It noted the decision by the Chadian Government not to expel the Sudanese refugees, and urged it to continue supporting the efforts of humanitarian and relief agencies in that country, in accordance with international principles governing the protection of refugees. The Council further affirmed the right of all displaced persons, wishing to do so, to return to their homes, and reminded all Governments in the region of their obligations to respect international humanitarian law.
Welcoming the fact-finding mission dispatched to Chad by the African Union, the Council endorsed fully the statement of 13 April, in which the regional body strongly condemned the rebel attacks against the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, and the eastern town of Adre. It reiterated that any attempt to seize power by force would be regarded as unacceptable, and called for political dialogue and a negotiated solution to the continuing crisis within Chad.
Reaffirming the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Chad and the Sudan, as well as all States in the region, the Council called on all Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. It called upon States in the region to cooperate in ensuring their common stability.
The meeting began at 1:40 p.m. and ended at 1:45 p.m.
Presidential Statement
The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2006/19 reads as follows:
"The Security Council welcomes the Secretary-General's briefing on 18 April 2006 on Chad/Sudan relations and endorses his deep concerns over the political and security situation and the instability along Chad's borders with the Sudan, as well as over the possible spillover effects of these crises on neighbouring countries and the entire region. The Security Council encourages the Secretary-General to continue his consultations with relevant parties, in particular the African Union, on the matter, and requests him to closely follow the situation and continue to keep the Security Council informed.
"The Security Council welcomes the fact-finding mission dispatched by the African Union in Chad and looks forward to its conclusions.
"The Security Council fully endorses the statement by the African Union Peace and Security Council of 13 April 2006, in which it strongly condemned the rebel attacks against N'djamena and the eastern town of Adre, and reiterates that any attempt to seize power by force, pursuant to the 1999 Algiers Declaration of the African Unity Organization, would be regarded as unacceptable.
"The Security Council calls for political dialogue and a negotiated solution to the continuing crisis within Chad.
"The Security Council also reaffirms the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Chad and the Sudan, as well as all States in the region, and calls on all members to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.
"The Security Council calls upon on States in the region to cooperate in ensuring their common stability.
"The Security Council notes with deep concern the deteriorating relations between Chad and the Sudan, and urges the Governments of the two countries to abide by their obligations under the 8 February 2006 Tripoli Agreement and to urgently start implementing the confidence-building measures, which have been voluntarily agreed upon. Both the Sudan and Chad must refrain from any actions that violate the border.
"The Security Council is concerned about the situation of the refugees from the Darfur region of the Sudan and from the Central African Republic, as well as the situation of the thousands of internally displaced persons in Chad. It, therefore, notes the decision by the Government of Chad not to expel the Sudanese refugees, and urges the Government of Chad to continue supporting the efforts of humanitarian and relief agencies in the country, in accordance with international principles governing the protection of refugees. The Security Council further reaffirm the right of all displace persons who wish to do so, to return to their homes. It reminds all Governments in the region of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law. In this regard, the Security Council calls on donor countries to provide additional resources to respond to the emergency humanitarian situation in both the Sudan and Chad."
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