| Date: 21/09/2012 Time: 11:34:00 PM |
The Security Council on Friday welcomed
the resumed negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan, under the auspices of
the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), and the progress
achieved so far in narrowing differences between the two sides.
Council President German Ambassador Peter Wittig said in a press statement
that given that critical issues remain to be resolved, the Council strongly
encouraged the negotiators to continue intensive work to resolve all remaining
issues outlined in relevant Council resolutions and the African Union road
map, such as border, natural resources and citizenship.
The Council also welcomed the intentions of the AUHIP to convene a summit
meeting of the two presidents on September 23 to finalize agreements on all
issues.
It affirmed that it is the responsibility of the presidents of Sudan and
South Sudan to exercise "constructive leadership and demonstrate the political
will" to ratify the progress made and bridge the remaining gaps to ensure the
successful conclusion of the negotiations on that day.
It also reiterated their grave concern about the rapidly worsening
humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States of Sudan, and
strongly urged all parties to expedite all necessary steps to immediately
commence humanitarian relief operations in accordance with the Memoranda of
Understanding the parties previously signed so that humanitarian assistance is
immediately delivered to the needy.
It finally called on Khartoum and the rebel movement SPLM-N to begin direct
talks, urgently agree to and implement a cessation of hostilities, and create
a conducive environment for further progress on political and security issues.
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