The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the conclusion of the peace negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Naivasha on 31 December 2004. The signing of the final protocols, on the Permanent Cease-fire Modalities and Implementation Modalities, now paves the way for the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement which will finally allow Sudan to bring to an end almost 20 years of civil war and one of the longest-running conflicts in Africa. The EU Presidency welcomes the announcement of the signing ceremony due to take place in Nairobi on January 9th 2005.

The Presidency of the European Union commends the negotiating teams, the IGAD facilitator, Lt.-Gen. Lazaro K. Sumbeiywo and his team, as well as the international observers for their tireless efforts to bring this negotiation process to a successful conclusion. The EU Presidency looks forward to the swift and complete implementation of the agreement by the Government of Sudan and the SPLM and reiterates the support of the EU to international efforts to consolidate the agreement.

The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the fact that through this agreement, the parties will be in a position to rapidly initiate an inclusive political process, aimed at establishing peace and development in all regions of Sudan, including in Darfur, and urges them to start this process without delay. The EU Presidency confirms the EU’s support to this effect. In this regard, the EU stands ready to assist Sudan in the reconstruction and development of the country. The Presidency of the European Union reiterates that this is based on the understanding that the parties implement the comprehensive peace agreement and fulfil al their commitments, including those on Darfur.