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Statement attributable to the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari, on direct talks between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) [EN/AR]

Countries
Sudan
Sources
UN RC/HC Sudan
Publication date

Khartoum, 13 February 2014. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari, welcomes the renewed direct talks between the Sudanese Government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N) in Addis Ababa.

“I hope that these talks will deliver positive results as swiftly as possible because, above all else, the people of South Kordofan and Blue Nile States need peace,” said Mr. Al-Za’tari.

“I urge both parties to ensure that the welfare of civilians in these states is an absolute priority during these talks. Parents across Sudan, particularly those in South Kordofan and Blue Nile and other areas where fighting continues, should not have to worry about their children” Mr. Al-Za’tari said.

“Ordinary people who are just trying to make a living in South Kordofan and Blue Nile should not have to pay for this conflict with their lives. Both parties need to ensure that civilians are protected from the fighting, so that people’s lives can return to normal as quickly as possible. Both parties in these talks are urged to declare an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing humanitarian teams to provide much needed support to these areas. Once agreement for a viable cessation of hostilities has been reached, the United Nations in Sudan stands ready to provide such assistance without delay and once peace is established full development efforts should be started immediately,” Mr. Al-Za’tari concluded.