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21:12 GMT
RIYADH, Aug 12 (KUNA) -- The Friends of Sudan reaffirmed on Wednesday their full political support for the civilian-led transition to democracy and peace.
The Partners for Sustainable Peace in Sudan Declaration, meeting for the eighth time in Riyadh led by Saudi Arabia, reiterated their support for the transitional government led by Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok to achieve full implementation of the benchmarks laid out in the Political Declaration and the Constitutional Charter, signed in August 2019.
This will help pave the way to sustainable peace, development and prosperity in Sudan and a democratic transition through free and fair elections, they said.
Inclusive and sustainable peace in Sudan is crucial to the success of the transitional period and to restoring sustainable security, stability and prosperity, they added.
The talks commended the "will and efforts of the transitional government towards achieving this peace, as demonstrated by its commitment to unrestricted access of humanitarian assistance, both cross border and cross line, to all conflict-affected areas.
Prime Minister Hamdokآ’s leadership in continuing to prioritize a comprehensive and inclusive peace, despite the enormous unforeseen challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic were also commended.
"Peace negotiations must be an inclusive Sudan-owned and led process leading to a sustainable peace agreement, which addresses the root causes of conflict in Sudan and further strengthens Sudanآ’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity," the meeting underlined.
The talks also praised the "constructive role" played by South Sudan's government, in mediating the Juba peace talks and expressed appreciation for support extended by the African Union, the United Nations and other international partners.
The talks went on to welcome as "valued" the attendence at the talks of Sudanese factions, namely the Sudan Revolutionary Front, Sudan Liberation Movement-Minni Minawi, and the South Sudanese Mediation Team.
They also urged a rapid conclusion of peace agreements on Darfur, Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, the East, Central and North Tracks, welcoming progress that has been made so far.
Furthermore, they expressed concern that a number of parties remain outside of the peace process.
"We call on all parties to the conflict to participate in peace negotiations, as there are no military solutions to Sudanآ’s internal conflicts," they said, particularly parties involved in the Juba peace process.
They also urged the parties to the peace talks to be cognizant of Sudanآ’s economic challenges and the global financial crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We emphasize that any obstruction to the peace process will prolong the suffering of the Sudanese people.
"We express a willingness to impose consequences on all spoilers to the peace process," they warned.
The talks also expressed concern about the recent outbreaks of communal violence in Darfur, South Kordofan, and East Sudan, saying this has "contributed to deepening the suffering of local populations."
On this, they urged the transitional government to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilian population and provide effective security throughout Sudan.
Furthermore, they stressed the need for the meaningful participation of women and youth in the peace process and the transitional government. (end)
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