UN Welcomes Agreement To Resolve Sudan Crisis

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last Thursday welcomed the announcement by the two parties to the landmark 2005 peace accord which ended the long-running north-south civil war in Sudan that they have resolved many of their outstanding issues.
     
In a statement issued by Mr Ban's spokesperson, he commended the Government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) 'for their commitment to preserve the integrity of the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) through dialogue and partnership'.
    
 A statement issued by the UN Information Centre in Accra yesterday said recent discussions between the two sides 'have resulted in an agreement on a number of key outstanding issues, with the exception of Abyei', a disputed region between the north and south, and Mr Ban voiced hope that the decisions reached by the two sides will be quickly implemented.
    
 'It is hoped that the Presidency will expedite a resolution to the issue of Abyei, which is essential in order to establish a firm basis for the next phase of the peace process.'
The agreement also paves the way for the return of SPLM members to the Government of National Unity. The group had suspended its participation in early October.
     
In the statement, Mr Ban reiterated that the full implementation of the CPA is in the interest of both parties and 'fundamental for lasting peace and stability in Sudan and the region. The United Nations stands ready to discuss with the parties how it can further assist them in ensuring the successful implementation of the Agreement.'
     
The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) is tasked with helping the parties implement the CPA, which brought an end to 21 years of brutal civil war that displaced millions of people.