Foreign Secretary concerned by tensions in Abyei region of Sudan
Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomed efforts of United Nations and Sudanese leaders to calm tensions during the referendum.
“I am concerned by the tensions in Abyei and reports of fighting between Misseriya and Sudanese People’s Liberation Army / Joint Integrated Police Units in recent days. We are monitoring the situation on the ground very closely and urge the people of Abyei and their leaders to exercise restraint.
I welcome and support the efforts of the United Nations and Sudanese leaders to calm tensions during the referendum and welcome the fact that the people continue to vote in a calm and orderly manner. We are working with all the relevant parties to ensure that the situation does not escalate. We urge restraint at this critical time on the ground and encourage the local authorities and community leaders to cooperate in a peaceful manner.
I support the work of President Mbeki and others with the Sudanese parties to find a lasting agreement on the status of Abyei as well as all other outstanding Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues”