Sudan and the UN Security Council seat
Sudan, Politics, 9/21/2000

Sudan, represented by its foreign minister Mustafa Othman Ismael, on Tuesday renewed its nomination for the non- permanent seat at the UN SecurityCouncil, showing its desire to play an active role in the UN for the period 2001- 2002.

This nomination is being made for the first time in 28 years despite Washington's opposition for that During the ministerial meeting of the UN General Assembly, Ismael noted that his country's nomination has won the backing of the African group at the UN and the organization of African unity summit which was held in July.

He expressed his confidence and optimism in backing all member states during the election of five members out of the 10 non-permanent members at the UN Security Council which will be held on October 10.

Ismael also defied the campaign launched by the UN to prevent his country from occupying the seat, noting that the US raised the issue of the sanctions imposed by the UN against al-Khartoum which is accused of having relations with what is called terrorism, noting that his country has signed all international treaties relating to this issue.

On the internal level, Ismael stressed the Sudanese government continued efforts to establish reconciliation through direct and non- direct channels with opposition groups.

He added that an agreement was reached with the help of both Libya and Egypt to convene a national reconciliation conference in al-Khartoum with the aim of signing a charter that furnishes the ground for the government's system in the future.

The Sudanese minister also called on the UN Security Council to pressure in order to halt armed operations carried out by the rebellions in Southern Sudan with the aim of facilitating the arrival of relief foodstuffs to the areas threatened by the starvation as a result of the drought, especially in Baher al-Gazelle district in Southern Sudan.

On the other hand, a high ranking US official expected that the countries of southern Africa will vote in favor of Mauritius when it ( Mauritius ) will compete with Sudan over Africa's seat at the UN security council.

The official noted that Washington is confident that the decision will be decided by the UN General Assembly which will vote over who will occupy the seat if the African group will not be able to agree unanimously on one candidate.

On Tuesday, the US secretary of state discussed the question of competition on the African seat in New York with the representatives of the 14- member states of the Southern African development group.

Worthy mentioning, Africa occupies three non- permanent seats at the UN security council which in addition to them include five permanent members enjoy the veto right. They are China, the US, France, Britain and Russia.

Previous Stories:
  Sudanese - African communication for support bid for Security Council seat for Africa   (7/6/2000)
  U.S delegation visits Sudan to hold discussions on cooperation   (7/6/2000)
  Sudanese flexibility with US in order to have sanctions removed   (7/3/2000)

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