In conclusion, I would like to say that the situation of women in armed confl...

In conclusion, I would like to say that the situation of women in armed conflict is inextricably connected with the coordinated and integrated tackling of the root causes of conflict. We therefore reiterate the need to address the root causes of conflict. The Security Council, as custodian for the concept and maintenance of international peace and security, must address the root causes of conflict, and not only the obvious manifestations. War is war — whether it erupts due to economic reasons or natural disasters — and it affects the most vulnerable and the poorest members of society, including women.

In that connection, we appeal to the Council to bring further pressure to bear on the armed rebel movements in Darfur, Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states to accept the principle of negotiation with a view to achieving a permanent solution through peaceful means, as the Government of the Sudan has agreed to do as it endeavours to achieve a solution.

We hope that the measures to be taken by the Council will rely on the country reports presented by States, as well as accurate information contained in the periodic reports of the Secretary-General, and not on reports produced by certain mass media sources or by non-governmental organizations. In that regard, we encourage the United Nations and its missions to organize workshops and direct consultations with officials of conflict-affected States, with a view to exchanging expertise on matters relating to the situation of women in armed conflict.