2 July 2008 -- Dmitry Titov, the UN Assistant Secretary-General in charge of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York recently paid a working visit to North Darfur. The purpose of the visit was to review the work of the Rule of Law and Security Institution components and the way they coordinate work with United Nations programs, agencies, bilateral donors and Sudanese authorities.

Mr. Titov interacted with senior management and heads of OROLSI components of UNAMID and the head of UNDP in North Darfur who, together with Security and the Military, briefed him on their work and the challenges they face. Titov expressed appreciation for the prevailing team spirit in the Mission, noting that a hybrid mission is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Mr. Titov also paid a courtesy call on the Wali of North Darfur, His Excellency Osman Mohamad Yusuf Kibir, at his office in El Fasher, whom he thanked for the close collaboration between UNAMID and his administration. He expressed appreciation for the extension of the use of government air travel facilities up to 7 pm and pledged that the Mission would live up to expectation so that the facility would be further extended.

Titov said the situation in Darfur remains very difficult and that everything must be done to ensure a successful implementation of the DPA. He underscored that peace can be achieved only through a political process. He informed the Wali that efforts are being made to expedite the deployment of UNAMID and requested assistance in the
acquisition of land, freedom of movement of personnel, and various legal instruments which would be required in the process. In this regard, and upon request, convoys would be conducted in conjunction with the Government of Sudan.

Titov said activities in the sphere of Rule of Law would broadly include the promotion, building and strengthening of local rule of law institutions, assistance in prison management and capacity building for the GoS Police. He asked for the cooperation of the Government, without which this would not be possible, and said the Mission is prepared to work with the justice sector to promote international standards.

The Wali assured Mr. Titov of continued Government support for UNMAID, stressing that collaboration must be on equal terms and that the sovereignty of Sudan must be respected at all times. The Wali concurred that dialogue and negotiations are the only way to achieve peace in Darfur and urged the UN to encourage the peace negotiators to bring on board DPA non-signatories. He noted that in spite of the bad publicity that Darfur has been getting, things are improving on the ground albeit with challenges still to be addressed.

Later, in the company of Rule of Law officers, the Deputy Police Commissioner and the Head of the North Darfur office, Mr. Titov held a separate meeting with the Chief Judge and Deputy Prosecutor General
of North Darfur.