Addis Ababa, 31 January 2010: Newly appointed Joint Special Representative (JSR) for UNAMID, Ibrahim Gambari, arrived recently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 14th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit and to meet with AU Commission leadership, as well as several diplomatic delegations.

The JSR, together with other senior United Nations officials, attended a meeting yesterday with UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. The Secretary General pointed out that 2010 will be dedicated to African issues, including peace, security and development.

In separate engagements, joined by Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy, Mr. Gambari met with Dr. Ghazi Saluheddin, Special Advisor to the Sudanese President in charge of the Darfur File, and Dr. Moustapha Ismail, Advisor to the Sudanese President. In the course of the meetings, issues related to the Sudan ranging from the forthcoming general elections to UNAMID’s mandate, were discussed. The JSR stressed UNAMID’s priorities: enhancing the security of civilians and internally displaced people; providing more proactive support for the ongoing peace process; and, assisting in the normalization of relations between Chad and the Sudan. The two presidential advisors reiterated the full support of the Government of the Sudan for UNAMID, and its new leadership.

Mr. Gambari also paid visits to Special Envoys to the Sudan, including Ambassador Sato of Japan; Mr. Michael O’Neil of the United Kingdom; retired Gen Scott Gration of the United States and Mr. Issa Marout of France. With all, he discussed the on-going peace process and the role of UNAMID in assisting in it to achieve an agreement. The day closed with the JSR accompanying UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

On Friday, 29 January 2010, upon his arrival in Addis Ababa, JSR Gambari met with the AU Commissioner for Peace & Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, who formally received Mr. Gambari at AU Headquarters. Later, the JSR paid visit to Chinese Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Zhai Jun. They discussed issues related to Darfur. The JSR also seized the opportunity to pay tribute to the Chinese peacek