Statement attributable to the Spokesman
for the Secretary-General on Peace Talks between the Sudanese Parties

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan this morning phoned the President of the Sudan, Omar Al-Bashir, and Dr. John Garang, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, to convey his encouragement for the current peace talks going on in Kenya.

He registered his satisfaction with the progress made to date and urged the two sides to continue negotiating in good faith until peace prevails in the Sudan.

Geneva, 16 November 2002