UN chief hails cease-fire in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, April 26, 2004 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Monday he is “encouraged” with the cease-fire agreement between the government of Sudan and the armed opposition in Darfur.

In a statement issued in New York, the UN chief called on the parties to adhere to the cease-fire and do everything possible to prevent attacks on civilians.

He urged the parties to continue negotiations in good faith, and to assure unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.

Under intensified international peace making efforts, the government and the warring parties of Sudan agreed on a framework for continuing talks to address the problems in Darfur in a comprehensive manner. The two-month civil war has left some 10,000 Sudanese died.