Welcoming Security Accord between Governments of Sudan, Southern Sudan,

Secretary-General Urges Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

 

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 agreement between the Governments of Sudan and Southern Sudan on border security and the joint political and security mechanism.

The Secretary-General commends both parties for this positive outcome and urges them to conclude and implement, as a matter of priority, a cessation of hostilities agreement.

The Secretary-General is mindful that, unless the parties decide otherwise, UNMIS (United Nations Mission in the Sudan) will be required to cease operations in these areas as of 9 July.  The Secretary-General stresses the importance of protecting and guaranteeing humanitarian access to vulnerable communities.  He remains extremely concerned over the humanitarian situation and the plight of vulnerable civilians in Southern Kordofan.  He calls on the Government of Sudan to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need and that it takes steps to create a conducive environment for humanitarian operations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States with the cessation of the UNMIS mandate on 9 July 2011.

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For information media • not an official record