Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
on the Framework Agreement for Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States, Sudan

The Secretary-General commends both parties for this positive outcome and urges them to conclude and implement, as a matter of priority, a cessation of hostilities agreement.

The Secretary-General is mindful that, unless the parties decide otherwise, UNMIS will be required to cease operations in these areas as of 9 July. The Secretary-General stresses the importance of protecting and guaranteeing humanitarian access to vulnerable communities. He remains extremely concerned over the humanitarian situation and the plight of vulnerable civilians in Southern Kordofan. He calls on the Government of Sudan to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need and that it takes steps to create a conducive environment for humanitarian operations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States with the cessation of the UNMIS mandate on 9 July 2011.