Welcoming Agreement to Hold National Dialogue in Sudan, Secretary-General

Urges End to Hostilities, Political Freedoms, Detainees’ Release

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the initiative of holding a comprehensive national dialogue in Sudan to achieve sustainable peace as well as the progress being made by Sudanese stakeholders to prepare for this process.  He welcomes, in particular, the signing today of an agreement between representatives of the G7+7 Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue and the Paris Declaration Group, comprising the National Umma Party and the armed movements.  He congratulates the parties concerned for this achievement.

The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders, particularly the Government, to ensure the creation of a conducive environment for an inclusive, transparent and credible dialogue, as envisaged in the agreement signed today.  This includes a cessation of hostilities, guarantees of political freedoms, including the freedom of speech and assembly, the release of political detainees and other confidence-building measures.

The Secretary-General stresses that a fully inclusive, free and transparent dialogue is critical to address the root causes of the recurrent crises in Sudan and achieve sustainable peace.

The Secretary-General commends the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, led by President Thabo Mbeki, for its tireless efforts in helping the Sudanese find a peaceful solution to the conflicts in Sudan.  He reiterates the continued support of the United Nations to this process.

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For information media • not an official record