25 April 2023

Thank you.

We also thank all the briefers today and especially we appreciate SRSG Perthes for briefing us on the latest update from the ground.

Albania is concerned over the continued fighting that has left over 700 people killed and over 4000 injured. We strongly condemn these fatalities amongst civilians, including the deaths of UN staff. We express our condolences to the victims’ families and hope for a quick recovery for those suffering severe injuries.

This situation is a sharp reminder of the urgent need for lasting cease-fire across the country and restarting peace negotiations.

In this regard, we echo Secretary-General and SRSG Perthes’ calls for an immediate cease-fire and to end all forms of violence. We urge all sides to resume dialogue to stop the ongoing crisis and put the security and welfare of civilians first.  In this context, we welcome the 72 hour cease-fire brokered by the US. We urge all parties to uphold their commitment to it and work toward enforcing humanitarian arrangements.

Albania encourages all regional and global players to urge the parties to commit to defusing the situation and immediately halt all hostilities.

Furthermore, we welcome the diplomatic efforts of the African Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, and UNITAMS. We also welcome the communiqué issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council on April 16, the Ministerial Special Session of the African Union on April 20 and the diplomatic efforts set out today.

As mentioned during the briefing the armed conflict has worsened the humanitarian situation from dire to catastrophic. Therefore, we join the call for full, secure, and unhindered access to all those in need and trapped inside buildings, including schools, hospitals, and damaged infrastructure.

In this context, we pay tribute to all UN staff on the ground and applaud the continued UN efforts, medical staffers, and humanitarian aid workers for their tireless efforts in helping those trapped in conflict and evacuating UN personnel and foreign nationals.

We call on the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to uphold their commitments under international humanitarian law.

In conclusion, Albania reaffirms its commitment to standing with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace and stability.

And in this regard this Council should spare no effort to react to this situation urgently.

Thank you!