KHARTOUM, Sudan, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The United Nations' top envoy to Sudan Tuesday lauded the disarmament and demobilization progress made as the war-torn country works toward peace.
"Policies are in place, planning is under way and the funding for some initial steps is available," Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for Sudan, said in Khartoum.
Qazi, who also heads the U.N. mission in Sudan, said the country's national council and north and south commissions have taken a constructive approach to resolving the long-running conflict. Their agreement is an important component of the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement ending the civil war between the government and the former southern rebels.
The 21-year war left at least 2 million people dead and displaced another 4.5 million.
"Such progress is central to peace in all of Sudan, including Darfur," Qazi said in a news release.
Still, he said, more needs to be done to make peace a reality in the region.
"Adequate and timely funding for reintegration must be secured, especially from donor countries, regardless of whatever uncertainties may lie ahead," he said.
Qazi called for a round-table meeting of the parties, the United Nations and the donor community in October with the hope of achieving further agreements on demobilization.
| Additional News Stories | |
Cornish and Foster win WFCC awards ... Tyler Perry's mother dead at 64 ... Man loses 239 lbs., wins 'Biggest Loser' ... Bundchen gives birth to a boy ... News from United Press International.
|
|
|
|