Roadmap for peace between Sudan and South Sudan

OSLO, Norway, May 7, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Roadmap for peace between Sudan and South Sudan

“Norway supports the African Union's roadmap for resolving the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan. It is urgent that the negotiations move forward. It is encouraging that the AU and the UN are now playing an active role in efforts to find a solution to this tense situation,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Last week the African Union (AU) put forward a roadmap for resolving the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan. On 2 May, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the solution set out in the roadmap. The resolution provides for sanctions against both countries if they fail to comply with the AU roadmap.

“The situation between Sudan and South Sudan is becoming increasingly tense. The humanitarian situation is critical, and the number of refugees in growing. It is very important that the parties now implement the concrete measures set out in the AU roadmap,” said Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås.

“This is an example of close cooperation between the AU and the UN. I hope it will give new momentum to the peace process. We will continue to support the negotiating process,” said Mr Støre.

The roadmap, which was drawn up by the AU Peace and Security Council, outlines a way back to the negotiating table for Sudan and South Sudan. It calls for the immediate cessation of all hostilities and activation of border security mechanisms. It also sets out that the parties must reach agreement on all outstanding issues within a three-month timeframe.

“The negotiations must be resumed as soon as possible. This is essential if Sudan and South Sudan are to succeed in building two viable states,” said Mr Holmås.