U.S. DISAPPOINTED WITH SUDAN-SOUTH SUDAN PROGRESS ON AGREEMENTS

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Implementation of Agreements Long Overdue
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
January 22, 2013

The United States remains disappointed that the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan have failed to make significant progress to implement the September 27 agreements despite a recommitment to implementation by Presidents Bashir and Kiir of Sudan and South Sudan.

Specifically, the Government of Sudan’s intent to postpone the restart of oil production until the implementation of security arrangements is complete runs counter to the fundamental principles of the cooperation accord and continues to undermine the economic and security situation in both states. Continued delay in resolving outstanding issues, particularly in accepting and implementing the African Union-endorsed proposal on the final status of the disputed region of Abyei, further undermines the peace process.

The Government of Sudan continues to suggest its fundamental security interests must be guaranteed in order to move forward on implementing the 27 September agreements and resolving the conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile ("Two Areas"). However, security will only come if Sudan cooperates with South Sudan and begins direct talks with the SPLM-N to address the Two Areas conflict. Lack of resolution on this issue prevents normalized relations between Sudan and South Sudan and compounds the current human rights and humanitarian emergency.

The African Union and United Nations must stand firm and demand that the parties urgently uphold their commitments to avert this threat to regional peace and stability.