Ambassador Princeton Layman, the U.S. special envoy for Sudan, met Friday with representatives of the diplomatic corps in Washington to rally international support for peace between Sudan's north and south. “The special envoy called on all members of the international community to join the United States in making clear to the Sudanese that they cannot miss this historic opportunity to start a new chapter in Sudan's history-one marked by peace, prosperity, and closer ties to the international community,” the State Department said in a statement. “He asked the international community to unite in encouraging the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement to resolve the outstanding issues between them and lay the foundation for two viable states at peace with one another,” the statement added. “Special envoy Lyman urged regional leaders to encourage the parties to reach agreement on resource sharing, citizenship, and other matters that will define the future relationship between Sudan and South Sudan. He welcomed progress toward resolving the immediate crisis in Abyei, but he emphasized that fighting is still ongoing in Southern Kordofan, and a cessation of hostilities agreement is urgently needed,” the department said.
