23 September 2017 – Addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s annual general debate, Ibrahim Ahmed Abd al-Aziz Ghandour, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan said his country has “turned the page” on conflicts and has embarked on an era of peace and stability, including through the establishment of a unity Government that includes members of former armed groups.
Expressing the hope that the international community, including the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the World Bank would support the Government’s ongoing efforts carry out the national dialogue, he said, and also encouraged the remaining armed groups to join this quest for peace.
Recalling that the Government had extended its unilateral ceasefire until October, he expressed Sudan’s deep concern at the lack of strict action by relevant UN entities and the international community vis-à-vis rebel groups operating from Libya and South Sudan.
He went on to say that Sudan opposed the politicization of international justice and considered the International Criminal Court to be an organization that manipulated the law for political objectives.
The Sudanese Foreign Minister emphasized the Government’s efforts to fight terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking and cybercrime, as well as its assistance to three million refugees from neighbouring countries and beyond. On a recent visit, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees commended Sudan for opening its borders when others were closing theirs.
Sudan was committed to working with IGAD and the African Union towards peace and security in South Sudan and to help address the humanitarian crisis there. Having met all technical conditions, Sudan looked forward to having its outstanding foreign debt forgiven, in line with the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, he said.
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