Annan hopes high-level talks between Sudanese parties will pave way for peace

Welcoming peace talks being held in Kenya between top officials of the Sudanese government and the opposition rebel group, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced hope that they would provide the necessary impetus for a comprehensive agreement.

“The United Nations stands ready to contribute to the efforts of the international community to help implement a peace agreement concluded by the Sudanese parties,” Mr. Annan said in statement released by his spokesman in New York.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his appreciation for the efforts of the Government of Kenya in leading the IGAD peace initiative,” the statement said in reference to the Inter-governmental Authority on Development under whose auspices the First Vice-President of Sudan, Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, and the Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), John Garang, are meeting.

The Secretary-General also thanked all the other countries that are closely supporting and assisting the peace process.