Thank you, Mr President, and let me also start by congratulating you and your team for assuming the Presidency of the Council. I also congratulate China for the way they chaired the Council during November.
Mr. President,
We thank the penholder on working relentlessly and for accommodating different views.
Albania voted in favour of the resolution requesting the termination of UNITAMS as December 3, following the letter of the Government of Sudan which was taken into full consideration.
However, we remain deeply concerned about Sudan’s escalating insecurity, and humanitarian crises where civilians continue to endure human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law.
Therefore, terminating the mandate of UNITAMS was not a decision taken lightly.
Albania regrets the turnout of events in recent weeks and praises the UNITAMS personnel for their unwavering dedication and commitment in pursuit of peace and stability in Sudan under very challenging circumstances.
We stress that the security of UN personnel is of paramount importance.
Albania calls on all Sudanese parties to cooperate fully with UNITAMS and UN agencies during the transition and liquidation phase.
Mr. President,
We welcome the appointment of the Secretary General’s Personal Envoy on Sudan Ramtane Lamamra and express our support in his challenging task.
In conclusion, it is crucial that risks associated with an orderly UNITAMS termination is mitigated as best as possible. Regardless of the closure of the Mission, Albania will continue to stand with the people of Sudan. In this vein, we reiterate our call to the conflicting parties to uphold their international obligations, for the protection of civilians in particular of women and girls. Now more than ever, it is imperative that humanitarian efforts are sustained to prevent further the deterioration of an already catastrophic situation in the country.
Thank you.
