Thank you President. And thank you also to SRSG Perthes for his briefing today and for the continued herculean efforts of UNITAMS. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in our meeting
President, first, I would like to welcome the signing of the political framework agreement as an important step toward a return to a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan.
The efforts by all parties involved to agree on genuinely civilian-led transitional governance arrangements are commendable.
But, there is much more to be done. We now urge all Sudanese parties to urgently unite behind a final agreement to form a civilian-led government.
The United Kingdom condemns the killing of two more protestors in the reporting period and calls for the security forces to exercise maximum restraint and to respect the right to peaceful protest.
Second, we should be clear that the consequences of delay in reaching a final agreement would be severe.
Approximately one third of Sudan's population is projected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023. A concerted effort to finalise negotiations is essential to address Sudan's urgent humanitarian and economic challenges.
A civilian-led transitional government can put the country on the road to recovery and allow for the full resumption of international support. The United Kingdom is working with partners to coordinate significant economic support to a civilian-led transitional government once it is formed.
Third, as SRSG Perthes told us, the security situation across Sudan also remains fragile. We reiterate our deep concern about the significant violence in Blue Nile State and West Kordofan.
We urge the Sudanese authorities to implement the security arrangements of the Juba Peace Agreement, engage with the impacted communities to restore peace, and fulfil their responsibility to protect civilians.
To conclude, President, the United Kingdom commends the compromises made by all parties to agree the initial political framework.
We call for an inclusive dialogue on the outstanding issues to commence without delay, and support a strong role for UNITAMS, along with the AU and IGAD, in facilitating these Sudanese-led negotiations.
The United Kingdom is committed to supporting Sudan's journey to democracy, and the realisation of the Sudanese people's calls for freedom, peace and justice.
And we hope that the Council will be able to give collective public expression to the latest developments in a Press Statement shortly.
Thank you.
