US Gives Khartoum, Juba To-Do Lists

The Sudanese governments in Khartoum and Juba should be commended for respecting the outcome of the independence referendum, but still need to resolve  other components of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, such as the impasses over Abyei and other disputed region says US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice. 

 “As long as Abyei’s status remains unresolved, it could indeed trigger further instability across Sudan” Rice told the Security Council during a briefing on Sudan today. “We urge the parties to swiftly resolve the remaining issues of citizenship, security, water, debts and assets, currency, oil management, and wealth sharing. Resolving these issues will facilitate international assistance to Sudan, both North and South.”

 Rice also voiced concern over the continuing violence in Darfur, calling on rebel groups and Khartoum government forces to reach a ceasefire and begin a significant negotiation process.

 “We are deeply concerned about the region’s deteriorating security situation.” said Rice, “the Government of Sudan must bring peace to Darfur, fully cooperate with UNAMID and provide unrestricted humanitarian access.”

In Controversial Speech At UN, Ahmadinejad Proposes Investigation Into 9/11

As protesters marched across the street from the United Nations to condemn the Iranian regime’s human rights abuse, US delegates walked out of the General Assembly today in protest against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s provocative speech. 

The Iranian President says the the United Nations should set up an independent fact finding group to look in to the events of 9/11, and went as far as advancing three possible scenarios explaining the attack: “1-That a very powerful and complex terrorist group, able to successfully cross all layers of American intelligence and security, carried out the attack.- This is the main view point advocated by American statesmen. 2- That some segments within the US government orchestrated the attack to reverse the declining American economy and its grip on the Middle East in order also to save the Zionist regime. The majority of American people as well as other nations politicians agree with this view. 3- It was carried out by a terrorist group but the American government supported and took advantage of the situation. Apparently, this viewpoint has fewer proponents.” 

Ban Ki-moon Has High Hopes for Israeli Flotilla Raid Panel

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement today praising a new panel formed to investigate the May 31 raid on an Gaza-bound aid flotilla by Israeli forces.  The flotilla originated in Turkey, and the raid heightened diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Israel.  Ban Ki-moon says that he hopes the panel’s findings will strengthen relations between the two countries.

by Philip Bunnell

Floods in Pakistan Kill Over 1,100

Devastating floods in Pakistan have killed over 1,100 people, and have left another 30,000 stranded.  The floods have also affected bordering Afghanistan, killing 65.  The United States, the European Commission, and the United Nations have all pledged aid and relief money to Pakistan.

by Philip Bunnell