WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (KUNA) -- A Troika (Norway, US, UK) urged the Sudanese government and the opposition to honor their pledge to the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) brokered peace agreement.
"The Government of Sudan must now create an environment that is conducive to freedom of expression and political participation by both armed and unarmed opposition in Sudan," said a joint statement by the three countries released by the State Department on Friday.
It also encouraged the Sudanese government's decision to accept the US' proposal to support humanitarian assistance to South Kordofan and Blue Nile states (the Two Area's).
"The Troika urges the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North to swiftly accept this proposal and facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those in need in the Two Areas," it added.
The ongoing unilateral ceasefire remains "a significant step toward peace throughout Sudan," the Troika said, adding that "in order to realize sustainable peace, all parties must engage in a political process.
"We call on the Sudan Liberation Movement - Abdul Wahid Al Nur to cease hostilities and immediately engage with the AUHIP peace process," the statement continued. "The Troika also encourages the Government of Sudan to make progress on addressing the root causes of the conflict." (end) ak.hb