20 August 2009 --  On the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan, I would like to seize this opportunity to send my best wishes to all Sudanese throughout the Sudan in general and Darfur in particular.

I trust that all peace-loving Sudanese are aspiring to witness an immediate cessation of hostilities to spare the nation the yokes of conflict and to focus on nation-building and peace and reconciliation. Therefore, I seize the blissful occasion of Ramadan to call upon all parties to the Darfur conflict to announce an immediate stop to all kinds of military operations and violence during the month of Ramadan. This truce will not only allow the civilian population to worship and socialize peacefully but will also allow the parties to reflect on the way out of this conflict.

Once again, let all of us pray for the restoration of peace, stability and prosperity for all of Sudan and Darfur. Wishing all of you many happy returns of the holy month.

RAMADAN KAREEM