Bolton To UNSC - Resolution 1706: Sudan

Statement on Resolution 1706: Sudan

Ambassador John R. Bolton, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Statement to the Security Council
New York City
August 31, 2006

USUN PRESS RELEASE #219

Mr. President,

We are pleased that the Security Council has taken this important step in passing Resolution 1706. It is imperative that we move immediately to implement it fully to stop the tragic events unfolding in Darfur. Every day we delay only adds to the suffering of the Sudanese people and extends the genocide.

The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to comply fully with Resolution 1706 and cooperate with the UN as we begin the work of implementation. Paragraph 1 of the resolution invites the Government of Sudan to consent to deployment, though nothing in this language requires their consent. We expect their full and unconditional cooperation and support with the new UN peacekeeping force. Failure on the Government of Sudan's part to do so will significantly undermine the Darfur Peace Agreement and prolong the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Resolution 1706 sets the foundation for an effective, multi-dimensional international force. With the expansion of the force up to 17,000 military personnel and over 3,000 civilian police, we can now expect that the AMIS rehatting will take place rapidly and smoothly, and that the follow-on UN force will be fully operational, with a substantial African element at its core.

Significant planning and logistical work has already taken place. Now with the passage of this Resolution, we can begin finalizing those details as we prepare to deploy the force. The United States is prepared to assist immediately in that regard. We cannot afford to delay.

Mr. President, the Security Council upheld its responsibility and passed a strong resolution which offers the best hope to bolster the Darfur Peace Agreement and end the tragedy we are witnessing in Darfur. We must devote all of our energies now to secure its immediate and full implementation.

Released on August 31, 2006

ENDS

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