COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 17 November 2009
S313/09
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), had a meeting today with Salva KIIR MAYARDIT, First Vice-President of the Republic of Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan.
Mr SOLANA and Vice-President KIIR discussed the situation in the South and the urgent need to complete the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the NCP (National Congress Party). Sudan is facing unprecedented challenges, with elections scheduled for April 2010 and the CPA set to expire in January 2011. Important aspects of the CPA still have to be implemented and major pieces of legislation have not yet been adopted.
The High Representative SOLANA underlined the EU's commitment to the CPA in its entirety, and he said that everything possible must be done to ensure a peaceful future for Sudan.
Vice-President KIIR pointed to the difficult situation of the South. He said that considerable international support is needed to address the huge development deficit, in particular capacitybuilding in all areas. The recent "compact" agreed between the South and major donors provided a model, with the government accepting obligations on governance, accountability and anti-corruption and with donors committing to financial and technical assistance. Mr SOLANA reassured Vice-President KIIR of the support of the European Union.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP
Tel: +32 (0)2 281 6467 / 5150 / 5151, Fax: +32 (0)2 281 5694
internet: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/solana
e-mail: presse.cabinet@consilium.europa.eu
