UN Chief, Security Council: Sudan Referendum Must Not Eclipse Darfur Settlement

16 November 2010

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during a meeting at the UN Security Council at the United Nations in New York City to discuss the upcoming referendum in Sudan and to express deep concern about Darfur, 16 Nov 2010

In a special high-level session of the Security Council, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the 9 Jan referendum on self-determination in South Sudan is a critical moment for the Sudanese people. As all eyes focus on whether the vote will go forward as scheduled, however, he warned that the ongoing conflict in Darfur must not be ignored.

"This brings me to the situation in Darfur, where there remains an urgent need to reach a comprehensive and inclusive settlement," said Mr. Ban. He said there has been some progress on outstanding issues at negotiations in Doha, and he asked the Security Council to call for all parties to join the talks.

Mr. Ban also warned that renewed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and rebel groups are threatening the safety of innocent civilians and worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. "The disturbing implication of this fighting is that the parties have not yet decided to give up the military path."

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who participated in the meeting, expressed the United States' ongoing concerns. "We remain deeply concerned about Darfur. Violence is intensifying; human rights violations continue; arms flow despite the embargo; journalists and activists are arrested, some merely for speaking to members of this Security Council; U.N. peacekeepers are kidnapped. This is all unacceptable."