It is the first time since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja in May 2006 that the parties to the conflict met face to face. We appreciate the presence in Sirte of the delegation of the Government of Sudan, of leading personalities and representatives of the movements, as well as representatives from civil society.

We regret that leaders of some of the movements chose not to attend the opening session and hope they will soon join the process.

We express appreciation to our Libyan hosts and to our regional partners and international observers for their sustained engagement. This is testimony to the importance attached by the international community at the highest level to support political dialogue among the parties and to resolve the conflict, under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations and as agreed in Addis Ababa in November 2006.

This first phase of the Talks included two lively plenary debates where representatives from the Government of Sudan, the movements, civil society, including women, regional partners, and international observers exchanged views and discussed key issues pertaining to the peace process. We welcome the constructive tone and spirit of the interventions during those discussions.

As Special Envoys, we have consistently called for an end to violence and a cessation of hostilities. In this context, we welcome the Government of Sudan's unilateral declaration of a cessation of hostilities. We call on all parties to the conflict to make a similar commitment without delay. The parties cannot talk and fight at the same time, without tragic consequences to the population of Darfur . It is critical that all parties do their utmost to improve the security and humanitarian conditions of the people in Darfur .

Following the opening session we held closed meetings with the parties, regional partners, and international observers.

In the course of the next few weeks, which constitute stage two of the Talks, we will continue to engage in intensive discussions with the parties on the substantive issues to be addressed in the third stage of negotiations. We shall also continue our contacts with civil society and other Darfurian stakeholders. We shall work in close cooperation and coordination with our regional partners.

The preparations for the substantial negotiations will take place in Sirte and elsewhere as appropriate. Throughout the process, we shall be supported by our Chief Mediators, Ambassador Sam Ibok and Mr. Taye-Brook Zerihoun, together with our Joint Mediation Support Team.