"Sunday 9th January is an immensely important day for Sudan.  The people of Southern Sudan will be exercising their right of self-determination enshrined in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed exactly 6 years ago.  I urge everyone to stand with the Sudanese people to ensure that the referendum takes place peacefully and that the process and the results are fully respected.  I ask everyone to support this process and to pray for Sudan at this momentous time in its history.

Concern remains for timely implementation of the outstanding elements of the peace agreement in Abyei, where a separate referendum is due to take place, and the popular consultations required for the peoples of South Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile.  We also must not forget the people of Darfur where a resolution to the conflict is so long overdue."