The Secretary-General welcomes the initiative of holding a comprehensive national dialogue in Sudan to achieve sustainable peace as well as the progress being made by Sudanese stakeholders to prepare for a this process. He welcomes, in particular, the signing today of an agreement between representatives of the G7+7 Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue and the Paris Declaration Group, comprising the National Umma Party and the armed movements.  He congratulates the parties concerned for this achievement.
The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders, particularly the government, to ensure the creation of a conducive environment for an inclusive, transparent and credible dialogue, as envisaged in the agreement signed today. This includes a cessation of hostilities, guarantees of political freedoms, including the freedom of speech and assembly, the release of political detainees and other confidence-building measures.
The Secretary-General stresses that a fully-inclusive, free and transparent dialogue is critical to address the root causes of the recurrent crises in Sudan and achieve sustainable peace.
The Secretary-General commends the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, led by President Thabo Mbeki, for its tireless efforts in helping the Sudanese find a peaceful solution to the conflicts in Sudan. He reiterates the continued support of the United Nations to this process.