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SPLM & NCP concludes consultations on the jurisdiction of the UN in Abyei |
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Friday, 30 May 2008 |
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) said that it is conducting consultations with the National Congress Party regarding the jurisdiction of the United Nations in Abyei.
The SPLM said that the UN is playing a negative role in protecting civilians in Abyei during the recent clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and the Sudan Armed Forces in the area. It said that the properties of the Abyei civilians have been looted and the UN did nothing. Speaking to Miraya FM, a leading member in the
SPLM, Dr. Luka Biong, said that his movement is looking for options to be rendered to the United Nations in order to be able to protect civilians according to Chapter Seven of the UN charter. The United Nations meanwhile did not confirm or deny that it received an official memo from the SPLM regarding its request for the UN to use Chapter Seven in protecting civilians. The Deputy Spokesperson of the United Nations Mission in Sudan, Khouider Zerook, told Miraya FM that the UN is still discussing with the parties involved in the Abyei skirmishes in order to resolve the crisis in the area. Mr. Zerook said that the UN Mission in Sudan is hoping that the two parties will respect what they agreed on in the Ceasefire Political Committee. Miraya FM asked an expert in the United Nations Affairs, Amir Abdallah Khalil, about the possibilities of the transformation of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) mandate from Chapter six to seven… The office of the chairperson of the SPLM of the Abyei Administrative area meanwhile released a report saying that an eight-man committee to coordinate relief to the area has been formed. The Chairperson of the SPLM in Abyei, Edward Lino, said that the committee and the government of south Sudan will coordinate with the national and international bodies that are ready to intervene and assist the people of Abyei. Mr. Lino said the committee will be responsible to receive and direct all funds to Abyei or purchase relief items needed. He added that the committee may form sub-committees to assist in carrying out duties, and it will present monthly reports to the Chairperson, the office of the government of southern Sudan and to the office of the Secretary General of the SPLM.
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