New York, 26 January 2009 -- The Secretary-General strongly condemns the hostilities, which have taken place today between a rebel movement and the Sudanese Armed Forces on the outskirts of El Fasher, in North Darfur.

This follows clashes earlier this month in South Darfur involving the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minawi (SLA/MM).

The Secretary-General deplores these continued military actions which continue to put civilian lives at risk and to jeopardize the political process. The Secretary-General calls on all parties to immediately cease ongoing hostilities and to abide by their obligations under international law.

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Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
New York,
26 January 2009