Secretary-General welcomes peace agreement between sudan, eastern front

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the peace agreement signed by the Government of Sudan and the Eastern Front on 14 October in Asmara, following the mediation by the Government of Eritrea.

The Secretary-General expresses the hope that the agreement will consolidate the settlement of the conflict in eastern Sudan, and contribute to peace and stability throughout the country.  The United Nations stands ready to support the parties in their efforts to implement the agreement.

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For information media • not an official record