(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK, March 23 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council called Thursday for immediate adherence to the permanent ceasefire by all parties to the conflict in South Sudan.
British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson led the Council and read, on behalf of its members, the presidential statement on South Sudan.
The Security Council expressed deep alarm at the situation in South Sudan, stressing again that there is no military solution to the conflict, renewing its condemnation of the continued fighting across the country.
The Council members reiterated their call upon all parties to immediately adhere to the permanent ceasefire as called for in the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (the Agreement) reminding all parties that implementation of a ceasefire is critical for the success of any genuine, inclusive political process.
Johnson said the 15-member body is deeply alarmed that famine was declared in parts of South Sudan, that many more South Sudanese face severe food insecurity, and is deeply concerned about the actions of all parties to the conflict that are perpetuating the humanitarian crisis. In this regard, the Security Council condemns any undermining of the ceasefire and restrictions and attacks on humanitarian personnel and their facilities as well as on the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially to famine-affected locations and calls for an immediate cessation of such actions and immediate and unhindered access to all those in need.
The Security Council further called for all parties to take appropriate measures to protect UN and foreign premises and personnel and other civilians in South Sudan, commending countries in the region who continue to receive and host refugees.
The Security Council condemned reported human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, as applicable, and expresses deep alarm at the numerous and ongoing reports of sexual and gender-based violence and recruitment and use of children in violation of international law in South Sudan.
The Council then called for unconditional support of all parties for the endeavors of the UN, AU, and IGAD towards ensuring the implementation of the Agreement and the inclusivity of the National Dialogue as outlined in their January 29, 2017, statement.
The presidential statement also called on "immediate removal of obstacles to UNMISS and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) operations including obstacles to the deployment of the Regional Protection Force and attacks on UNMISS and CTSAMM personnel." Further, the 15-member body called for immediate cessation of obstructions to and attacks on all national and international humanitarian personnel and facilities endeavoring to provide life-saving assistance throughout South Sudan.
ON his part, the Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Festus Mogae gave his recommendations to the Security Council.
He demanded peace and the total cessation of violence around the country with one voice; activate the immediate deployment of the Regional Protection Force and support the implementation of Chapter II Transitional Security Arrangements.
He also called for "full and credible" inclusion of all Parties and stakeholders in the peace process.
Prior to the meeting, the French Ambassador to the UN Francois Delattre, told the press that the situation in South Sudan "is too serious, too worrisome." (end) mao.gb
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