Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Peace Process in Northern Uganda

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached over the weekend between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to extend the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement until the end of June, and to resume peace talks in Juba on 26 April under the mediation of the Vice-President of the Government of Southern Sudan. The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation to his Special Envoy, Mr. Joaquim Chissano, for the important role he played in facilitating the discussions.

The Secretary-General commends the parties for their expressed commitment to the peace process. He hopes that the negotiations in Juba will create momentum towards a comprehensive settlement to this conflict, which has brought immense suffering to the people of Northern Uganda. The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to all the international and regional actors who have been assisting the peace process and calls on them to continue their support.