SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RESUMPTION OF PEACE TALKS ON SUDAN

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RESUMPTION OF PEACE TALKS ON SUDAN

The Secretary-General welcomes the resumption of the peace talks between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Machakos, Kenya, on 14 October 2002, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).  He urges both sides to resume the negotiations in earnest and build on the progress made in July to reach agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the conflict that has brought untold misery to the people of Sudan and devastation to the country.

The Secretary-General, once again, commends the tireless efforts of the Government of Kenya in leading this important regional peace initiative on behalf of IGAD.  He reiterates his appreciation for the sustained effort of IGAD countries for peace in Sudan.  He will continue to be in touch with the parties and the leaders of the IGAD countries, and has asked his Special Adviser, Mohamed Sahnoun, to represent him at Machakos. 

The Secretary-General reiterates the support of the United Nations to the IGAD effort for Sudan and stands ready to assist in the implementation of a peace agreement.

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