Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the cessation of hostilities in Northern Uganda

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army, under the auspices of the Government of Southern Sudan. The Agreement is a step in the right direction and could pave the way for a comprehensive settlement after decades of violence.

The Secretary-General encourages the two parties to continue the discussions aimed at finding a lasting and expeditious political settlement to the conflict. It is hoped that with the cessation of hostilities, concerted efforts can now be deployed to help improve the deplorable condition of the nearly two million internally displaced people in Northern Uganda.

The Secretary-General commends the Government of Southern Sudan for facilitating this agreement and calls on both parties to fully implement its provisions.

The United Nations stands ready to assist in the resolution of the conflict in Northern Uganda, and will continue doing its utmost to mobilize resources so that people suffering from the violence can receive much-needed assistance.