United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed President Omar al-Bashir's declaration of an immediate ceasefire between the Government of Sudan and the armed movements in Darfur as well as the intention by the Government of Sudan to disarm all the militias.

In a statement through a UN spokesperson Wednesday, the Secretary-General stresses that the effectiveness of any ceasefire depends upon all parties demonstrating their commitment to a cessation of hostilities, particularly since past efforts to uphold a ceasefire in Darfur were not successful.

He further emphasizes that the international community continues to have high expectations that the Government of Sudan and the rebel movements will make concrete progress towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 43")