welcoming sudan ceasefire, Secretary-General calls for progress in peace process

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

The Secretary-General welcomes President Omer al-Bashir’s declaration of an immediate ceasefire between the Government of the Sudan and the armed movements in Darfur, as well as the intention by the Government of the Sudan to disarm all the militias.

The Secretary-General stresses that the effectiveness of any ceasefire depends upon all parties demonstrating their commitment to a cessation of hostilities, particularly since past efforts to uphold a ceasefire in Darfur were not successful.

He further emphasizes that the international community continues to have high expectations that the Government of the Sudan and the rebel movements will make concrete progress towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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For information media • not an official record