Russian Deputy Foreign Minister expresses support to UNAMID peace efforts
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, February 6, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Head of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari, received today Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov at UNAMID's Headquarters in El Fasher, Darfur. The visit of the Deputy Foreign Minister took place further to discussions held by the JSR with senior Russian officials last November in Moscow.
During his visit to UNAMID, the Deputy Foreign Minister was briefed by the JSR on the efforts of the Mission to advance the implementation of its mandate and ensure the consolidation of the Darfur peace process. The JSR also briefed the Minister on UNAMID's efforts so far on the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) as well as the engagement of the Joint Mediation to encourage hold-out movements to join the peace negotiations.
Minister Bogdanov stated that he came to El Fasher to learn first-hand the real situation in Darfur and the progress being made by UNAMID in the implementation of its mandate. He reiterated the support of the Russian Federation to the efforts of UNAMID, in particular the Mission's engagement to advance early recovery and development in Darfur as well as its contribution towards ensuring the timely implementation of the DDPD. The Minister also commended UNAMID efforts towards the stabilization of Darfur, thanking UNAMID for doing “an excellent job and putting in great effort to help the people of Sudan resolve their conflict”.
The Deputy Foreign Minister encouraged UNAMID's continued contribution towards advancing peace in Darfur and reiterated Russia's commitment to explore all possible means to ensure that the hold-out armed movements renounce violence and join the peace process.
JSR Gambari expressed the Mission's gratitude to the continuous support and commitment of Russian Federation to UNAMID, stressing that the Mission will continue to do its utmost to protect civilians and achieve a comprehensive peace agreement.