Secretary-General Welcomes Signing of Sudan’s Framework Agreement on Top Parties’

Partnership, Security Arrangements in Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan States

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing yesterday in Addis Ababa of the Framework Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-North) on Political Partnership between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the SPLM-North, and Political and Security Arrangements in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan States.

The Secretary-General commends both parties for the political will they have demonstrated in reaching the Agreement.  He urges them to use the momentum created to conclude a cessation of hostilities in Southern Kordofan without delay.  The Secretary-General calls on the parties to ensure the protection of vulnerable civilians and full humanitarian access to those in need in Southern Kordofan.

The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation for the efforts of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), led by former President Thabo Mbeki, supported by UNMIS [United Nations Mission in the Sudan] and other partners in assisting the parties reach this Agreement.

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For information media • not an official record