It is a pleasure to greet all the participants in this important meeting. I thank His Excellency Minister Moses Wetang'ula and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development for this invitation to offer my thoughts on the key challenges facing Sudan.

This meeting is an opportunity for the United Nations to strengthen its strategic partnership with IGAD members, renew our commitment to implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and work together to ensure a peaceful transition in 2011, whatever the outcome of the referendum.

Sudan is at a critical juncture. With elections scheduled for April and the referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan less than one year away, the parties to the CPA will need enormous support to resolve key outstanding issues.

While the agreement this week to start demarcation along the North-South border was a positive step, resolving the border disputes in the contested areas around Abyei will be a core task for the parties in the year to come.

The parties must also finalize an agreement on the conduct of the referenda scheduled for January 2011, as well as the popular consultations for Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Agreement on post-referendum arrangements, including wealth and power sharing between the North and South, is a prerequisite for a peaceful transition in 2011, regardless of the outcome of the vote.

I am committed to assisting the parties in their efforts to implement the remaining elements of the CPA. This will require, first and foremost, a renewed commitment by the parties themselves. But strong support from the international community will also be essential.

As co-guarantors of the CPA, IGAD has a critical role to play in supporting the relationship between the parties, facilitating an environment conducive to the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, and helping the parties to establish functional, stable institutions. My Special Representative and I very much look forward to working closely with IGAD in the coming year to meet the many challenges facing Sudan.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful summit.