Kibaki urges North, South Sudan to keep peace

Published on 04/07/2011

By PPS
President Kibaki has said achieving sustainable peace in Sudan is the interest of the Horn of Africa region.
The President further said Kenya remains committed in supporting North and South Sudan in forging harmonious relations.
Kibaki said the future of the two countries is interdependent therefore they must cooperate.
The President made the remarks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he is attending the 18th Extra Ordinary IGAD Heads of State and Government Summit. He congratulated the people of Sudan for walking together in the long journey of implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which formally ends on July 9. He noted that some key issues between the two nations remain unsolved thus it was crucial both parties engage each other on all the matters even after July 9.
"It is my hope that this Summit will receive guarantees from both parties that dialogue will continue," said Kibaki. He noted that the IGAD Summit was convened at a time when there were good opportunities to consolidate peace and stability in our region. "As has been the tradition of our organisation, I am confident that our deliberations will further our common objectives and interests in the region," he said.
During the occasion, President Kibaki who is also the Chair of the IGAD Sub-Committee on Sudan commended President Omar Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir for their courage and commitment as the region and the world prepares to witness the birth of South Sudan nation.
"Five days from today, we shall all convene in Juba to welcome and celebrate Africa’s newest State," said Kibaki.
To build the ongoing regional peace processes, President Kibaki called for the implementation of the Kampala Accord of June 9, 2011 on Somalia, the creation of Abyei Interim Administration and Temporary Security Arrangements, the Agreement on Political and Security Principles, as well as the Agreement reached on June 28, 2011 on the general principles for the cessation of hostilities in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States.