Excellencies, Distinguished Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this timely and urgent meeting.

I thank all the Heads of State and Government for their presence.

I offer a particularly strong welcome to the Sudanese delegations represented by Vice President Ali Osman Taha and First Vice-President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and also a special and warm welcome with gratitude to President Obama of the United States, and Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I also welcome your Highnesses and Your Excellencies who have made such a special effort to be present for this meeting.

Let me make a few brief, personal, introductory remarks.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

We are here because Sudan's leaders and people face critical, difficult questions about their future.

The stakes are high, for Sudan, for Africa, for the international community.

The Sudanese people cannot afford a resumption of conflict. We must all assist them in finding a peaceful way through one of the most important passages in their country's history.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This meeting is an opportunity for the representatives of Sudan, the friends of Sudan, the country's neighbours and those States and organizations that have worked so hard for Sudan's future, to gather at a critical juncture to assess where we stand, and to re-commit ourselves to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the hard road ahead.

The issues facing Sudan cannot be addressed in isolation. They must be considered together as part of an overall vision for Sudan, with a focus on the rights and aspirations of all Sudan's citizens.

The parties have implemented many of the key CPA provisions without a return to serious conflict. This is a significant achievement. Not so long ago, Sudan was still mired in one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II. Five years down the CPA path, that has changed.

But the most important challenges are now less than four months away: the referenda on the self-determination of Southern Sudan and on the status of Abyei.

The international community has clear expectations for this process.

We expect the referenda to be peaceful, carried out in an environment free of intimidation or other infringements of rights.

We expect both parties to accept the results, and to plan for the consequences.

And finally, we expect the parties to adhere to the CPA, without unilateral acts on either side, North or South.

Both CPA parties have done a lot to prepare for the referenda, but time is short and there is much to do as the deadline nears.

The UN Mission in Sudan has trained more than 9,000 Southern Sudanese police. UN staff will be positioned in every county in Southern Sudan during the polling. I have also established a panel to facilitate a credible, transparent process. President Mkapa, the former President of Tanzania, the Chair of the Panel, is with us today –thank you very much.

Whatever the outcome, North and South must coexist peacefully.

Sudanese, North and South, must negotiate agreements that reflect the reality of a shared history and shared resources –agreements on border management, citizenship, migration, security, debts and assets.

These issues do not all need to be resolved ahead of the referenda, but it is crucial that a mutually beneficial framework for managing North-South relations is put in place quickly.

Let us also be clear with respect to the Abyei referendum: the Abyei Commission must be formed, and it must be formed immediately.

In addition, the Sudanese must ensure that the popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states are inclusive, timely and credible.

I welcome the work of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel, led by President Mbeki, which has worked closely with the UN Mission in Sudan to provide a forum for resolving these issues.

I urge all here to assist the Government of Southern Sudan in its efforts to build up its capacity to provide basic services, protect people and strengthen governance and the rule of law. These capacities are required no matter what the outcome of the referendum.

In Darfur, it is essential to continue working towards a comprehensive solution based on the principles of a ceasefire and security arrangements, greater authority for Darfur, fair representation of Darfurians at all levels of Government, compensation, reconciliation and economic development for the region. These principles, together with justice and the rule of law, provide the basis for sustainable peace.

I commend the Government of Sudan, the Liberation and Justice Movement and civil society, with the support of the Joint Chief Mediator and Government of Qatar, for their engagement, and I call on all armed movements to join the process.

Peace must be both comprehensive and inclusive. Those who truly want it must join the give-and-take at the negotiating table. That is where peace is made, not on the sidelines. The people of Darfur have suffered too long.

The security situation in Darfur remains a grave concern, particularly as it affects civilians and internally displaced persons.

I am also deeply troubled by attacks against UN peacekeepers, and the continued loss of life among their ranks.

I call on all parties to cease hostilities and allow the African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur and all UN-associated personnel unimpeded access.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are here today to renew our common commitment to peace in Sudan.

Where coexistence is valued.

Where war-affected populations can return to their homes.

Where the rule of law prevails.

And where all people can share in the country's political, economic and cultural riches.

The United Nations will continue to do its part in assisting all Sudanese in fulfilling their long-held hopes for a better future.

Thank you very much.