Secretary-General Hails Sudan, South Sudan on Abyei Joint Oversight Committee

The following statement was issued on 10 September by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General congratulates the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan on the launch of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee on 8 September.  The Secretary-General welcomes the efforts of the African Union High-Level Panel, led by [former South African] President Thabo Mbeki, in helping the parties adopt the modalities of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee and agree on a timetable for the withdrawal of all forces out of the Abyei Area, commencing 11 September.  The United Nations stands ready to assist as requested.

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For information media • not an official record