‘DEEPLY COMMITTED’ TO PEACE IN GREAT LAKES REGION, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES PARTIES TO ‘STAY THE COURSE’

SECRETARY-GENERAL COMMENDS AGREEMENT REACHED IN SUDAN

ALLOWING UNIMPEDED HUMANITARIAN ACCESS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General would like to commend the Government of the Sudan   and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement on reaching an agreement allowing humanitarian workers unimpeded access to all areas and for all people in need in the Sudan.  The agreement, which takes effect today, will allow assistance to reach as many as 1 million people who have not been able to receive aid.

The Secretary-General urges the international donor community to provide Operation Lifeline Sudan with the resources necessary to meet the needs of the growing numbers of beneficiaries.  Finally, he reiterates the support of the United Nations to the IGAD-led peace process at Machakos, Kenya.

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