SG/SM/7374

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SUDAN GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF HUMANITARIAN CEASEFIRE, 29 APRIL TO 15 JULY

Expresses Hope that People’s Liberation Movement/Army Will Observe Same Pause

The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement made by the government of Sudan on 29 April declaring a humanitarian ceasefire throughout the Sudan until 15 July 2000. He also acknowledges the Government’s decision on 19 April to suspend air bombings in Southern Sudan to protect civilian lives and facilitate the continuing delivery of humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, by road, air and river.

He trusts that the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) will also extend the humanitarian ceasefire and thus contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for humanitarian operations in the Sudan.

The Secretary-General counts on the continued support of all parties for the unhindered and safe provision by United Nations humanitarian agencies and non- governmental organizations of relief to all those in need of humanitarian aid throughout the country.

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United Nations