SECRETARY-GENERAL DESCRIBES ‘USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE’ DISCUSSION WITH SUDAN’S

PRESIDENT, STRESSES URGENCY OF RE-ENERGIZED POLITICAL PROCESS IN DARFUR

The following statement by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued today by his Spokesperson:

I met with President Omer Al-Bashir of the Sudan for about one and half hours to discuss in a useful and constructive manner political and security developments in the Sudan and in particular in Darfur.

We agreed to accelerate joint African Union-United Nations efforts for the political process and the preparation for a peacekeeping mission, based on the Abuja and Addis Ababa agreements.  He reiterated his Government’s commitment to implement these agreements.

I reiterated the UN’s strong commitment to the political process in the Sudan, emphasizing the centrality of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the importance of its timely and effective implementation.

I expressed my deep concerns over the continuing violence and deteriorating human rights situation in Darfur, which afflicts millions of people.  I urged President Al-Bashir, as I urge all parties, to cease hostilities, as an essential foundation for a successful peace process and humanitarian access.  President Al-Bashir agreed to facilitate such access and expressed willingness to cooperate with international efforts towards that end.

I stressed the urgency of a re-energized political process in Darfur.  In that context, I informed President Al-Bashir that I had agreed with Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare on a joint mission of my Special Envoy Jan Eliasson and African Union Envoy Salim A. Salim to Khartoum and Darfur in early February to support peacemaking efforts.  President Al-Bashir welcomed this mission.

I recalled my letter of 24 January, presenting the heavy support package for peacekeeping agreed with the African Union.  I look forward to a prompt and positive answer to this joint proposal.  This will pave the way for the early deployment of a hybrid mission.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record