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UN urges parties in southern Sudan peace accord to settle outstanding issues

UN urges parties in southern Sudan peace accord to settle outstanding issues

Hailing the third anniversary of the peace accord that ended two decades of civil war in southern Sudan, the United Nations today called on all parties to resolve outstanding issues, including redeployment of forces and demarcation of the North-South boundary.

In a statement commending the Parties to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) for important gains made so far, the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) cited their constructive spirit in addressing key pending issues and their strengthening partnership after a war that killed at least 2 million people and uprooted 4.5 million others.

“UNMIS strongly encourages the parties to work in partnership and mutual trust to meet their remaining commitments under the CPA,” the mission said, calling for the redeployment of forces in accordance with the accord and resolution of the dispute over the Abyei region. “The demarcation of the North-South boundary must begin in earnest,” it added.

The population census must also be conducted as soon as possible and electoral legislation must be adopted to ensure that the vote is held on time next year.

“More needs to be done to ensure that the people of Sudan receive the tangible dividends of peace and development,” the mission concluded. “UNMIS stands ready to continue assisting the Parties to the CPA and the people of Sudan in fulfilling these commitments and achieving full, effective, and timely implementation of all aspects of the CPA.”