The Secretary-General welcomes the inauguration today of the Darfur Regional Authority, which was established under the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur with responsibility to lead the implementation of its provisions.

The Secretary-General congratulates the Government and the Liberation and Justice Movement on this important step forward. He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations system to support their efforts and those of the Darfur Regional Authority to bring peace to Darfur.

The Secretary-General urges the parties to take immediate steps to implement those provisions of the Agreement that are of greatest concern to the people of Darfur, who have suffered the most from the conflict. In particular, the provisions related to reconciliation, human rights and justice, the establishment of conditions for returns and early recovery and peace dividends.

The Secretary-General appeals to the Government of Sudan and non-signatory armed movements to enter into negotiations towards a final agreement immediately and without preconditions.