24 February 2009 -- The Secretary-General welcomes the commitment of the Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) to release prisoners as part of the "Agreement of goodwill and confidence-building for the settlement of the problem in Darfur" which was signed in Doha, Qatar on 17 February, and welcomes the role of the Emir of Qatar in this regard. This represents a concrete step in the ongoing efforts to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the Darfur conflict.

In this context, the Secretary-General calls upon the parties to act in good faith to further implement this agreement and urges the Government of Sudan and the JEM to work with the African Union - United Nations Joint Chief Mediator and the Government of Qatar toward a cessation of hostilities and a final comprehensive peace accord.

(Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General)

New York, 24 February 2009