People in Sudan want peace now

The representatives of Sudanese Civil Society groups addressed the &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2003/03/26/45044.html ' target=_blank>UN Security Council with a message at a special session, which was held in Nairobi today: "People in Sudan want peace and they want it now."

Four Sudanese activists addressed the "Arria" briefing, which was organized by the &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/diplomatic/2002/10/30/38918.html ' target=_blank>Sudan Advocacy Coalition of International NGOs, and asked the Security Council several pointed questions: "Will this agreement be different from those broken in the past? Will it be characterized by sustained and effective international engagement? Will the process enable Sudanese to put in place their own institutions so that confidence and trust can be built?"

Acuil Malith Bongul said, "Peace is about more than a piece of paper it is about a process which must involve civil society organizations and communities." He emphasized the need to support grass roots peace processes in Southern Sudan, underscoring that "space for independent civil society voices must be enlarged and protected. Peace and development go together", informs Reuters.