Secretary-General Notes Signing by South Sudan, Opposition Forces

Of Implementation Matrix for Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the holding today of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State Summit on South Sudan.

The Secretary-General takes note of the signing, today, of the 23 January Cessation of Hostilities Agreement implementation matrix by the Government of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in Opposition.

He calls on both parties to immediately implement the agreement and uphold their commitment to establishing a transitional Government of national unity.

The Secretary-General commends the IGAD Heads of States and their Special Envoys for their tireless efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in South Sudan and reiterates the full support of the United Nations to this process.

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For information media • not an official record