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FCO Press Release: Wednesday 24 August 2011

Foreign Office Minister’s statement on Southern Kordofan

Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham, said:

“I welcome the announcement from President Bashir of Sudan of a two week unilateral ceasefire in Southern Kordofan state. We have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns regarding the ongoing violent conflict in Southern Kordofan, and see this ceasefire as a positive move towards a lasting solution.

“I now call on the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (Northern Sector) to follow suit, and abide by the ceasefire. I urge both parties to allow immediate humanitarian access to the area, and to negotiate in earnest for a lasting settlement and peace in Southern Kordofan.”