11 February 2009 -- The Secretary-General’s latest report to the Security Council on the African Union-United Nations operation in Darfur (UNAMID)was released in New York today, his spokeswoman Michele Montas announced at a press briefing at the UN Headquarters.

The escalation in the level of violence in Darfur signals an investment in conflict rather than a serious commitment to peaceful negotiations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in the report.

Mr. Ban deplores the violence and its consequences for the civilian population, and he reiterates his condemnation of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement’s attack on Muhajeria and the Government of the Sudan’s use of aerial bombing.

Regarding UNAMID deployment, he notes the provision of outstanding equipment, in particular military helicopter assets, remains critical to increasing the mobility and operational impact of the mission. The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to
Member States who are in a position to provide these mission-critical capabilities to do so without further delay.

He also calls on Member States with influence over the parties to engage actively in support of the AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator’s efforts to work with the parties towards a negotiated political solution.