"Explanation Of Vote Following the Adoption of Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004) on Sudan"

Statement by Ambassador Masood Khalid,Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, (30 July, 2004)

Mr. President,

The people and government of Pakistan are as concerned about the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan as other members of the international community. All the people suffering as a result of this crisis are part of the Islamic Ummah. Pakistan fully shares the humanitarian objectives of the resolution. .

  1. Pakistan has welcomed the involvement of the Secretary-General in facilitating a solution to the crisis. The Joint Communique of 3 July provides the best framework for addressing all aspects of the issue – humanitarian, security and political. It clearly delineates the commitments of the Sudanese Government and the United Nations. It provides for an independent and objective mechanism to evaluate the progress in implementation.
  2. Cooperation of the Government of Sudan is critical in realizing our shared objectives of saving lives, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and stabilizing peace in the Darfur region. Our collective endeavours must encourage that cooperation, not complicate it. The Secretary-General has consistently emphasized the need for a ‘coldly realistic’ approach. We agree with his advice.
  3. Pakistan consistently counseled a calibrated response. While we appreciate the improvements in the draft made in response to Pakistan’s specific proposals, the final text still lacked the delicate balance that this complex situation requires. We regret that despite efforts, no compromise was possible. We were therefore not able to support the resolution.
  4. Pakistan did not believe that the threat or imposition of sanctions against the Government of Sudan was advisable under this resolution. Pakistan trusts that the Security Council will not need to take such further measures. In this context, we look forward to the report from the Secretary General after 30 days which, we hope, will confirm that Government of Sudan and the rebel groups are complying with their commitments and obligations.
  5. We also did not believe that the adoption of the entire resolution under Chapter VII was necessary.
  6. The resolution went through several revisions. As compared to the initial draft, it now emphasizes the need for urgent and adequate humanitarian assistance to the displaced people and the refugees from Darfur. The serious shortfalls which have been identified for such humanitarian assistance must be quickly met. The unrestricted access provided by the Government of Sudan should be availed of to provide such assistance.
  7. The resolution calls for the immediate disarmament of the Janjaweed and a halt to all attacks against the people of the region. Not only the Government of Sudan, but also the rebel groups must halt their attacks.
  8. Pakistan welcomes the emphasis on the need for a political solution to the Darfur crisis. We hope and expect that the SLA and the JEM will adopt a realistic and constructive position in the dialogue which is to be undertaken under the auspices of the AU mediation. All parties must negotiate in good faith in this dialogue.
  9. In this context, Pakistan welcomes that, at our insistence, the text now includes the principle of preserving the territorial integrity of Sudan. A solution to the Darfur crisis must be found within the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.
  10. Pakistan also welcomes the recognition of the leading role of the AU in addressing the Darfur crisis and calls for international support to this role.
  11. The Government of Sudan has declared that it is fulfilling its commitments under the Joint Communiqué concluded with the UN. The need for visible action to this end, specially the speedy disarmament of the Janjaweed militia, is apparent. This has been conveyed to President Bashir by President Musharraf in two telephone conversations.
  12. Our President was approached by international leaders to assist in resolving this humanitarian situation. He made strenuous efforts and asked that some time and space be given for solutions that would avert the need or threat of sanctions, so that forward movement can take place on the three central elements of the crisis –humanitarian access, political dialogue and security. He has been invited to visit Sudan in this context. However, while we understand the intentions of the sponsors regarding the objectives, regarding the means adopted and the fact that no space and time has been given, we would not like to prejudice the position accorded to our President and country as a neutral party trying to assist all sides in the search for an effective solution.