SECRETARY-GENERAL DESCRIBES ‘USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE’ DISCUSSION WITH SUDAN’S PRESIDENT, STRESSES URGENCY OF RE-ENERGIZED POLITICAL PROCESS IN DARFUR
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Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York |
SECRETARY-GENERAL DESCRIBES ‘USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE’ DISCUSSION WITH SUDAN’S
PRESIDENT, STRESSES URGENCY OF RE-ENERGIZED POLITICAL PROCESS IN DARFUR
The following statement by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued today by his Spokesperson:
I met with President Omer Al-Bashir of the Sudan for about one and half hours to discuss in a useful and constructive manner political and security developments in the Sudan and in particular in Darfur.
We agreed to accelerate joint African Union-United Nations efforts for the political process and the preparation for a peacekeeping mission, based on the Abuja and Addis Ababa agreements. He reiterated his Government’s commitment to implement these agreements.
I reiterated the UN’s strong commitment to the political process in the Sudan, emphasizing the centrality of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the importance of its timely and effective implementation.
I expressed my deep concerns over the continuing violence and deteriorating human rights situation in Darfur, which afflicts millions of people. I urged President Al-Bashir, as I urge all parties, to cease hostilities, as an essential foundation for a successful peace process and humanitarian access. President Al-Bashir agreed to facilitate such access and expressed willingness to cooperate with international efforts towards that end.
I stressed the urgency of a re-energized political process in Darfur. In that context, I informed President Al-Bashir that I had agreed with Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare on a joint mission of my Special Envoy Jan Eliasson and African Union Envoy Salim A. Salim to Khartoum and Darfur in early February to support peacemaking efforts. President Al-Bashir welcomed this mission.
I recalled my letter of 24 January, presenting the heavy support package for peacekeeping agreed with the African Union. I look forward to a prompt and positive answer to this joint proposal. This will pave the way for the early deployment of a hybrid mission.
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For information media • not an official record