UN Security Council Debate on Chad and Central African Republic

Ministar savjetnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima Vice Skracic održao je govor u Vijecu sigurnosti UN-a o stanju u Cadu i Centralnoj Africkoj Republici.

I would like to join other delegations in thanking SRSG Victor da Silva Angelo for presenting the report of the Secretary General. Like other delegations we welcome the progress that has been achieved on implementing the 13 August 2007 Agreement between the Government and political opposition groups in Chad, especially with regard to the status of the opposition as well as the adoption of implementing modalities for the electoral code and the successful launching and completing of the general population census. The successful holding of national elections, if free, fair, inclusive and transparent, can offer, as stated by the SG, not only a fresh chance for national reconciliation, but can prove to be decisive in strengthening the internal political dialogue and therefore political stability throughout Chad. We urge the Chadian government to build upon this positive momentum to create the condition for an inclusive and comprehensive political process, and hopefully address the root causes of conflict in the eastern parts of the country. As has been stated previously, the key for overcoming Chad's internal weakness and vulnerability is through an inclusive political dialogue, and we encourage all groups to work together on issues like the increased protection of human rights, including the rights of refugees and internally displaced, especially women and children, and the fight against impunity for crimes committed. It is unfortunate that the above mentioned positive political momentum has not been duplicated at the sub-regional level, where relations between Chad and the Sudan have seriously deteriorated during the reporting period, and where the security situation in north-eastern CAR has deteriorated considerably due to banditry and armed robbery. On Chad – Sudan relations, while we welcomed the initial success in reaching the Doha Agreement on 3 May this year, we were then faced with an almost concurrent attack by Chadian armed opposition coalition UFR forces from western Darfur deep into Chadian territory, with the stated aim of overthrowing the Chadian government. This incursion instigated not only the immediate breakdown of the above mentioned hard fought Doha agreement, it also precipitated a Chadian armed reaction against targets in western Darfur, including by air strikes, which only served to exacerbate an already precarious security situation in both these countries. Like the SG, Croatia calls upon both the governments in Khartoum and N'Djamena to stop supporting each others rebel groups and to redouble their efforts to build mutual confidence and ease tensions in this region, so as to try and bring back some semblance of order and stability. Croatia is also concerned with the grave humanitarian situation in eastern Chad, with up to 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons seeking aid of some sort. The long term presence of refugee and IDP camps in eastern Chad not only puts pressure on the local populations, it provides ample room for bandits and armed groups in which to operate. We therefore very much welcome the deployment of DIS [Detachement integre de securite] security elements in 12 refugee camps and some key towns in eastern Chad to provide security, as well as welcome and appreciate MINURCAT's efforts to help ensure that the DIS receives the training and support it needs. We do note, however, that the DIS is a community policing force, and is not equipped to react to large scale military incursions. Finally Mr. President, while acknowledging that MINURCAT is still under 50% capacity, which definitely impacts on its effectiveness, my delegation hopes that possible contributions on the part of a number of TCC's to send troops to bring MINURCAT up to full strength will be realized by the end of the year. We also acknowledge that MINURCAT is suffering from lack of some key enablers, including engineers and military helicopters, and offer the hope that new TCC's will consider this when making their pledges. Thank you, Mr. President.

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