New York

07 May 2009

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Sudan: Abyei Arbitration

The Secretary-General welcomes the conclusion of the written and verbal arguments on the final settlement of the Abyei dispute before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague by the two signatories to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The Secretary-General commends the reiteration, in the Abyei Roadmap Agreement, of the NCP and SPLM's commitment to abide by and implement the decision of the Abyei Arbitral Tribunal. He encourages the two CPA signatories to achieve a peaceful final settlement to this dispute and to further strengthen their relationship as partners for peace in Sudan.