UN Security Council stresses on-time referenda for South and Abyei

The United Nations Security Council issued a presidential statement on Sudan, describing the situation there as one of the most pressing challenges before the Council at the moment. The statement, read by British Foreign Secretary William Hague, stressed the Council’s commitment to the sovereignty and independence of Sudan, as well as its full support for peace and security in Sudan and for the Sudanese parties to the implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The Council proceeded in its statement to the situation in Darfur, expressing concern about the increasing violence and insecurity in the region. It urged all parties to cease hostilities immediately and to participate constructively in the negotiations in order to reach a lasting peace in Darfur.

The United Kingdom holds the presidency of the Council for the month of November. It had said that it would make Sudan its priority. The referenda for self-determination of Abyei and South Sudan cannot be held later than 9 January, according to the terms of the CPA.