16 November 2009 - The Tripartite Mechanism for Darfur today held its seventh meeting in Khartoum. The Undersecretary of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mutrif Siddiq, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, and UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Ms. Susana Malcorra, headed their respective delegations. Joint Special Representative ad interim (JSR a.i.), Mr. Henry K. Anyidoho, led the team of the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

All delegations in their opening remarks expressed concern about the prolonging hostage situation involving the two UNAMID personnel who have been in captivity for 80 days since 29 August 2009. They stressed the importance of continuing efforts to ensure their safe release.

Furthermore, Dr. Siddiq reiterated the full committment of his Government to the protection of UNAMID personnel. This remained a top priority, he said.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing issues related to the Mission’s deployment, including the final preparations for the impending arrival of the five Ethiopian tactical helicopters, which will be based at Nyala airport in South Darfur. They also addressed the status of the implementation of a bridging solution to permit immediate broadcasting of Radio UNAMID. The Government of Sudan gave assurances that action will be taken in the next week to allow broadcasts of radio programmes by UNAMID.

Additional issues, such as staff security as well as water supply for Darfur local communities, were also raised during the meeting.

Participants reiterated the need to maintain the spirit of partnership and cooperation, which has so far led to significant progress in the Mission’s deployment. They also expressed the determination to remove all obstacles to the deployment of the Mission for the benefit of Sudanese in general, and Darfurians in particular, who have suffered as a consequence of the conflict.

The next meeting of the Tripartite Mechanism is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in February 2010.

More than 15,000 military troops are now deployed in the Mission, representing 76 per cent of the authorized deployment. Also, almost 2,850 police advisors representing more 75 per cent of the authorized strength and more than 1,800 policemen are based in 12 formed police units (FPUs). The authorized number of FPUs for UNAMID is nineteen.

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org – tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020
Noureddine Mezni, Spokesperson; mezni@un.org – mobile: +249 (0) 92 562 9693 -+249 (0) 91 253 8420
Sharon McPherson, Media Relations, mcpherson1@un.org –mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0375 - +249 (0) 92 244 7941