UN chief urges Khartoum to engage inclusive dialogue in Sudan

September 24, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – UN chief Ban-Ki-moon has urged the Sudanese government to engage “inclusive” dialogue with the opposition forces in order to end the ongoing conflicts and re-establish a democratic regime in the country.

Ban met on Monday with the Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti who leads Sudan’s delegation to the Assembly General annual meeting in New York.

“The Secretary-General urged the Government of the Sudan to engage in credible and inclusive dialogue with all opposition groups to address the root causes of conflict in the Sudan”, said a statement released by Ban’s spokesperson office.

The Sudanese opposition and armed groups demand to hold a holistic process in the country in order to settle the conflict in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan but the government says the rebels have to sign first separate peace deals and the political parties have to participate in 2015 elections.

The meeting discussed the relations between Sudan and South Sudan but also the situation in Darfur, Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.

Ban hailed the “positive outcome” of positive outcomes of the 3 September Summit between presidents Omer Al-Bashir and Salva Kiir where the two leaders agreed to implement immediately the nine cooperation agreements signed on year ago.

However, according to the statement, the UN chief said deeply concerned by the crowing tension in Abyei area, the “protracted conflict” in Darfur, and the ongoing fighting in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.

He also tackled the with Sudanese minister the restrictions imposed in Darfur on the movement of the African Union United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and stressed the need to ensure humanitarian access and freedom of movement for the hybrid force there.

(ST)