Following is the text of a joint declaration by the European Union and the United States following the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration concerning the determination of the boundaries of the Abyei Area.
The decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the boundaries of the disputed area of Abyei is an important step in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and of great significance to the whole of Sudan.
Both parties to the CPA have committed themselves to accept the decision of the Court as final and binding. The United States and the European Union jointly call on both parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) – the National Congress Party and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – to immediately implement the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration panel in The Hague. Both parties must use their authority and influence to ensure that the Court’s decision is respected and peacefully implemented. The US and EU stress the importance of the parties’ working together to inform the population of the decision of the Court and to ensure that the rights of persons and communities concerned are fully respected.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army must avoid confrontation, and the EU and U.S. expect full cooperation from all parties with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). The EU and U.S. also underline their support for the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) in monitoring CPA implementation.
The U.S. and EU stand ready to continue working with all relevant stakeholders to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to Sudan.
Bureau of Public Affairs
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
