Secretary-General Hails Civil Society Commitment to Heidelberg Darfur Dialogue,

in Message for Official Presentation of Outcome Document

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the official presentation of the Heidelberg Darfur Dialogue Outcome Document, delivered by Djibril Yipènè Bassolé, Joint African Union-United Nations Chief Mediator for Darfur, in Berlin, today, 19 May:

I strongly support the initiative of the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public and International Law, and congratulate all involved in the launch of the Heidelberg Darfur Dialogue Outcome Document.

In conducting consultations with a diverse group of Darfuri intellectuals on issues related to the peace process, the Institute has launched a valuable social process.  I also commend the efforts of the many Darfuri intellectuals and activists who have participated in this dialogue.  Such commitment on the part of civil society is an important contribution to the settlement of the conflict and the cause of peace.

The launch of the Outcome Document comes at a difficult time for Darfur.  Despite recent progress in the Doha peace talks, I am concerned at continued reports of a military build-up and clashes between armed movements and Government forces.

I urge all parties to the conflict to scrupulously respect the ceasefire which has been declared, and to remain engaged in the negotiations in Doha towards a comprehensive settlement of the Darfur crisis.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful event.

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For information media • not an official record