LOC10:41
07:41 GMT
NEW YORK, Nov 16 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council extended mandate of Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) late Tuesday, underscoring the critical need for Sudan and South Sudan to cooperate on Abyei.
The UNSC unanimously adopted resolution 2318 reiterating its demand for both Sudans to urgently establish an Abyei Area Administration, Council and police service that would take over policing functions throughout the area, including the protection of oil infrastructure.
The 15-member body decided to extend the mandate until Mid-May of 2017.
The resolution also decided to maintain the troops authorized by resolution 2104, already deployed, and that the remaining authorized forces continue to be deployed dependent on the evolution of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM).
The Council renewed its call upon the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to provide full support to the UN, including by promptly issuing visas to military, police and civilian UN personnel, including humanitarian personnel, without prejudice to their nationality, for entry into Sudan and South Sudan.
They also called upon the concerned governments to facilitate the basing arrangements, infrastructure construction in the Mission Area and flight clearances, and providing logistical support, and further called upon them to facilitate travel from within Sudan and South Sudan to and from Abyei.
UNISFA was a respond to the urgent situation in Sudan's Abyei region back in 2011, where the Security Council was deeply concerned by the violence, escalating tensions and population displacement.
The Operation has been tasked with monitoring the flashpoint border between north and south and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and is authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei. (end)
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