DEEPLY CONCERNED OVER NEW FIGHTING IN SOUTHERN SUDAN, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES

PARTIES TO OBSERVE CEASEFIRE TERMS, SAYING NO MILITARY SOLUTION IS POSSIBLE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in the area of Abyei.  The clashes, which began on 13 May, have resulted in the destruction of Abyei town and the displacement of between 30,000 and 50,000 people from Abyei and the surrounding area. 

The Secretary-General regrets that, despite an agreement by the parties on 18 May to end hostilities, fighting has resumed today.  If the situation is not urgently addressed, the achievements thus far of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement could be placed at serious risk.

The Secretary-General thus urges both parties to immediately observe the terms of the ceasefire agreed through the Ceasefire Joint Military Commission on 18 May, including the disengagement of forces.  He stresses that there can be no military solution to the parties’ differences over Abyei, and reminds them of their commitment to find a political solution which respects the needs and rights of both sides, and of the people of the Abyei area.

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For information media • not an official record