VZCZCXYZ0003
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7068 3372350
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 022343Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 4036
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM PRIORITY 6725

UNCLAS STATE 127068 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL UNSC XA
SUBJECT: UNSC CONSULTATIONS BY ICC PROSECUTOR ON SUDAN 
DECEMBER 3 
 
¶1.  This is an action request.  USUN should make the 
statement in paragraph 2 during the December 3 UN Security 
Council consultations by ICC Chief Prosecutor Ocampo.  End 
Action. 
 
¶2.  Begin Statement: 
 
I would like to thank ICC Chief Prosecutor Ocampo for his 
briefing to the UN Security Council regarding Sudan. Today, 
I would like to make four points. 
 
First, the United States expresses its grave concerns over 
the situation in Sudan, particularly Darfur.  The 
humanitarian situation remains dire and attacks on 
civilians, by both Government of Sudan (GOS) forces and 
rebel groups alike, continue. 
 
Second, we support the Darfur peace process efforts of 
UN/African Union Chief Mediator Djibril Bassole. 
Ultimately, our primary and immediate goal is to see 
measurable improvement of the situation on the ground for 
the people of Darfur, not mere declarations or promises. 
 
Third, we note with interest the Government of Sudan's 
announcement of an unilateral ceasefire in Darfur and its 
recognition that such a ceasefire should have a monitoring 
mechanism to enforce it.  However, we are deeply 
disappointed by continued violence in Darfur, including 
attacks by rebel movements and the Sudan Armed Forces.  A 
viable and lasting ceasefire is a vital step towards 
establishing peace in Darfur and the region as a whole. 
 
Fourth, the United States remains steadfastly 
committed to promoting the rule of law and helping bring 
violators of international humanitarian law to 
justice, and will continue to take a leadership role in 
righting these wrongs.  We applaud efforts to identify 
and bring to justice any persons perpetrating crimes 
against the people of SudanOur previous actions with 
respect to the terrible crimes being committed in Sudan 
should leave no doubt about the strength of our commitments. 
The international community cannot ignore the atrocities and 
massive human suffering that has occurred during the ongoing 
conflict in Darfur, which the United States has declared to be 
genocide. 
 
The United States has domestically designated, and thus 
barred from the U.S. financial system, seven individuals 
and multiple entities for conduct or financing related to 
the conflict in Darfur.  The UNSC Sudan Sanctions 
Committee is able to designate those who impede the peace 
process, constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and 
the region, commit violations of international 
humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities, 
violate the arms embargo, or are responsible for offensive 
military overflights.  The U.S. urges the Sanctions 
Committee to responsibly use the tools at its disposal in 
order to prevent further violence in Darfur.  We encourage 
members of the Sanctions Committee to allow for meaningful 
follow up to the recommendations made by the Panel of 
Experts, and urge the Council to request briefings from 
the Permanent Representatives of Sudan and Chad. 
 
Lastly, we thank ICC Chief Prosecutor Ocampo for keeping the 
Council informed of developments on Sudan. 
 
End Points. 
RICE