UN chief urges Sudan to create suitable atmosphere for national dialogue

October 3, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – UN chief Ban Ki-moon has Urged Sudanese government to create suitable conditions for the national dialogue conference that will be launched next week.

On the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly, Ban met with the Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour on Friday where they discussed the initiative of president Omer al-Bashir which aims to end the armed conflicts and adopt a new constitution.

“The Secretary General welcomed efforts to launch an inclusive National Dialogue and urged the Government of Sudan to create an environment conducive to its success,” said a press statement released by the office of Ban’s spokesperson.

The secretary-general underlined the need to engage in direct talks with the rebel groups in Darfur region, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states before to involve them in the internal process.

Sudanese president announced in August a two-month ceasefire but the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) issued different statements saying the army continue to carry air and rocket attacks on its position in the Two Areas.

The two officials also discussed relations between Sudan and the United Nations, noting the importance of enhanced cooperation and dialogue for the benefit of the people of Sudan.

“The Secretary-General looked forward to further discussions on the exit strategy for the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), under the guidance of the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council,” said the statement.

(ST)