UN envoy reiterates keenness to support Sudan election

March 23, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The head of United Nations Mission to Sudan (UNMIS) , Haile Menkerios reaffirmed today readiness to support general election scheduled to take place in April.

The Eritrean diplomat, who replaced the Pakistani Asharaf Qazi, was received today by the Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir. He discussed the upcoming election and ongoing preparations where the mission is involved.

“I have discussed with the President the forthcoming elections and implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). I have expressed the UN readiness to support the elections and help making the democratic experience a success,” Menkerios told reporters following the meeting.

He said the UNMIS would be an active partner with the Sudanese authorities to provide the necessary technical aid for successful elections. He stressed the United Nations hopes the elections would be free and credible in order to achieve achieve political stability in Sudan.

Meanwhile, the official SUNA reported that President omer Al-Bashir reiterated the keenness of Sudanese government to cooperate with UNMIS and facilitate its mission in the country.

(ST)