Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the peace process in Northern Uganda

The Secretary-General welcomes yesterday's signing in Juba, by the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army, of the Annexure to the Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation. The Annexure establishes the legal framework for accountability and reconciliation mechanisms in the promotion of peace with justice in Uganda. The challenge ahead will be to ensure the credible implementation of this agreement.

The Secretary-General is encouraged by the commitment of the Parties to the talks and urges them to renew their efforts to expeditiously conclude a comprehensive peace agreement in order to bring lasting peace with justice to the people of Northern Uganda.

The Secretary-General expresses his deep thanks to all international and regional actors who have been assisting the peace process and calls on them to continue their crucial support to the Parties. The Secretary-General expresses his particular appreciation to the Vice-President of the Government of Southern Sudan and Chief Mediator, Dr. Riek Machar Dhurgon Teny and his Special Envoy, Mr. Joaquim Chissano, for the important role they have played in facilitating this breakthrough.