Source: http://www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/press_releases/20080624_164.html http://www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/press_releases/20080624_164.html
Date: June 24, 2008


USUN PRESS RELEASE # 164                                                        June 24, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Permanent Representative, on Sudan and Zimbabwe at the Security Council Stakeout, June 24, 2008

Ambassador Khalilzad: Good Afternoon. We’ve had a very busy day today as you are aware. We had a good discussion with regards to Sudan, both Darfur in particular but also on CPA. And it is clear that things are not going well there and for progress to be made there there is need for improved security with regards to Darfur and I believe that the two envoys challenge the Security Council to be more effective in addressing the security problem.

We have been clear for some time that security is the most important. And therefore we have favored a robust UNAMID force to be deployed there as soon as possible. There have been obstacles to it, particularly from the government of Sudan, and some Council members have seen fit not to press for action that could incentivize the government to fully cooperate. In the aftermath of this briefing and the comments that we heard, we hope that more action will be taken.

A second issue is obviously making sure the right assets are available and we’re doing our part to assist. It is very important that this issue, the issue of Darfur, the humanitarian situation there, is addressed effectively and it is not only important because of Darfur but also because the credibility of the Council itself is at stake. 

We did issue a PRST on the situation in Abyei, as you know, we believe that there is a danger of things getting a lot worse in Sudan, especially if CPA falls apart and therefore what happened in Abyei a little while ago was of great concern. You’ve heard me speak about the reaction of the UN forces there, we are glad with the PRST in terms of making sure that there’s a robust response when violations take place by the UN forces in the area. We believe that the implementation of CPA is important for what happens in Darfur and Sudan as a whole.

I would be glad to take some questions now.

Reporter: (inaudible)…suddenly the day after Zimbabwe and Sudan people are almost ho hum about. But can I ask you about Zimbabwe? The government there is not really accepting this statement. The language is very strong and the election goes forth. What can the Security Council do?

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well we have been heartened by the reaction around the world to the resolution. We have been heartened by the reaction particularly in Africa; the government of Zimbabwe is isolating itself, not only from the broader world but also in Africa. As I said yesterday it was heartening that African members of the Council voted for the condemnation of the government and for a strong statement. We will look at measures to be taken in the face of the defiance. We don’t have any specific date or measure at this point in mind. We haven’t initiated those discussions. But as you know we move in sequence. First you have to make the call to demand, to instruct. And the Security Council did that yesterday, unanimously. Now we have to give it a little bit of time to see what the reaction is and then we have to look at what do you do to bring about compliance. We are in the phase of assessing the reaction to the PRST.

Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, the response to that call seems to have just been given right here at the microphone about five seconds before you were here. The call seems to have been completely just rebuff what the Security Council did and said yesterday. A question of what’s next was answered of let them try in terms of intervention and anything else. That seems pretty defiant. What’s your country’s position now on the next step given that response? It seems pretty clear cut. 

Ambassador Khalilzad: As I said, one step at a time. We will consider further steps. As I said that was the first important thing that the Security Council has done on Zimbabwe. It was adopted unanimously that itself was a strong message of success for the Security Council, and a failure for the government. The government is further isolating itself and undermining its standing and its legitimacy. We will obviously, in consultation with colleagues in the Council and with Africans consider additional steps but I don’t have anything specific for you today with regards to the next step. 

Reporter: Ambassador, I’m talking about measures. Zimbabwe is already on the sanctions, and more sanctions of course won’t hurt Mugabe but only the people. Will maybe U.S. or other European countries in the Security Council think about removing Mugabe from power? 

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, the decision about removing Mr. Mugabe from power is a decision that the Zimbabwe people will have to make. You know that in the election that took place in March, even by government numbers he got less than Mr. Tsvangirai, who got more than 47%, while Mr. Mugabe got 43%. And Parliamentary elections, similarly, the opposition got more seats than the ruling party. It is clear based on that election what the preference of the people of Zimbabwe was. With regard to sanctions, of course, he has sanctioned his people. His economic policies have been a sanctions or economic sanctions regime against the people. You know, so many people there need international help. As we go forward, we want to - we would want to think about - and as I said I don’t have anything specific at this point about what can be done vis-a-vie the regime, the ruling party - there is no ill intent on the part of the international community, the United States, towards the people of Zimbabwe. We see them as victims of the policies of President Mugabe. 

Reporter: Mr. President, one last question please on Darfur again. Mr. Eliasson and Mr. Salim called for a new international conference, high level meeting on the issue of Darfur. What’s your reaction on that, sir? 

Ambassador Khalilzad: I think it’s something to be considered. We want to be attentive, the international community, the Security Council, the United Nations needs to be attentive on the various tracks, particularly the security track, and since there is a big gap between where we want to be and where we are, we need to look at ways how we can close that gap, and we should consider their idea. We’re prepared, but we have to consider the idea.  Thank you very much. 

Reporter: On the (inaudible) departure and the report that says the U.N. could have done better regarding the Algeria bombing?

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, I have not seen the report yet, but of course it’s a very important to have accountability, and security obviously is important, even the U.N. is a target of terrorists in this new kind of war that they are conducting against the world, and I look forward to reading the recommendations and the steps that need to be taken. 

Reporter: Will the U.S. allow Mugabe to come, in September, if he’s still in power, to the General Assembly?

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, it’s several months away. I don’t have anything to say on that at this point. Thank you very much.