United Nations Radio

Sudan was the focus of discussions Tuesday during a visit by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Washington DC.

A statement from the UN Spokesman's office says the Secretary-General met with First Vice-President of Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir.

They discussed the implementation of existing agreements: the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Abyei Roadmap. They exchanged views on the situation in Eastern Sudan and the activities of the Lord's Resistance Army in the area, as well as recent events in Abyei.

convoy in Darfur

The Secretary-General expressed his concern over the deployment of forces, by both sides, just North and South of Abyei area outlined in the agreement.

On Darfur, the Secretary-General affirmed "we must make progress as a matter of urgency, especially if the people of Darfur are to participate and be represented in the national elections in 2009".

Vice President Kiir and the Secretary-General also discussed the possible impact of indictments by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on peace and stability in Sudan.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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