John Kelley
We act an alternative representative
New York, New York
May 30, 2025
As delivered
Thank you, Mr. President.
As Penholder, the United States thanks the members of the Council for its constructive commitment to this resolution. We congratulate ourselves on the extension of the mandate of Sudan in southern Sudan and the renewal of the arms embargo, the prohibition of travel and the frost of the assets for an additional 12 months.
The escalation of violence in recent months has brought South Sudan to the edge of the civil war. The people of South Sudan deserves a peaceful political process and the end of violence.
South Sudan leaders must defuse political tensions and violence, avoid civil war, negotiate in good faith and restore peace.
We urge the transitional government to provide all the necessary steps to advance the peace agreement and conclude the transition period.
We appreciate the renewal of the board of arms embargo, which remains necessary to stem the flow of arms without hindrance in a region which remains flooded with firearms. Too many innocent lives have been lost due to armed violence and armed conflicts.
The alarming attack of March 2025 White Army against the UN staff in the county of Nasir and the bombing of the Medecins Sans Frontier hospital on May 3 highlights the need to reduce the presence of weapons in South Sudan and to dissuade the flows of illegal weapons.
Today’s renewal also extends the mandate of the POE, whose independent reports help to inform the member states of realities on the ground and how to facilitate the peace and stability of South Sudan.
The United States is attached to the people of South Sudan and will work in close collaboration with the transitional government, the other members of the Council and all stakeholders to facilitate the peace, security and prosperity of the country and the region.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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