The United Nations, my favorite organization has decided to send 10,000 peacekeepers to Darfur. A little too little and a lot too late. Hundreds of thousands displaced and by some counts a genocide of 150,000 has been taking place there and the UN decides to pass a Resolution. That's all this region needs right now, 10,000 rapists and pedophiles to add to their problems.
USUN PRESS RELEASE
March 24, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Remarks by Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Alternate U.S. Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs, on the Resolution to Authorize Peacekeeping Forces in Sudan, at the Security Council Stakeout, March 24, 2005
Ambassador Holliday: I'd just like to make a brief statement that the United States is pleased that the Security Council today unanimously adopted a resolution that is one part of the Council's ongoing efforts to address the peace and stability in the Sudan. Much more work needs to be done, there are critical issues that remain on the table.
We hope that this resolution will help consolidate the North-South peace accord that was an achievement signed in Nairobi, actually witnessed by the Security Council. The North-South Agreement, of course, brings to an end the civil war, which claimed many, lives and has torn the country apart.
We remain very concerned and disturbed by the situation in Darfur, in the western part of the country. And we will continue working with our Council colleagues to address that important question in the days ahead. Thank you.
Reporter: What does this resolution do if anything to help address the Darfur situation? And how can you break the deadlock over your other two resolutions, the provisions of which have been out there for some time?
Ambassador Holliday: Well, among the things that - of course, having a transitional government in Sudan will help provide a political framework that we hope will improve the situation in Darfur. Secondly, we've asked the Secretary General to give us recommendations about how the Council can strengthen the African Union's efforts in Darfur. Finally, the Council also in this resolution is going to see the opening of a UN office in Darfur. Again this is a small part of our ongoing effort to address the Darfur crisis. Thank you.
I hope my cynicism is misplaced but all I have to go on is past history. The history of UN peacekeepers is dismal and the response from the UN has been tepid or non existent. That is all. Have a blessed Easter.
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