Today's Date:

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Paris, on behalf of the French government, for this first meeting of the "Sudan Consortium", at such a crucial moment in the history of the peace process in Sudan.

I would particularly like to greet the Sudanese delegation, led by First Vice-President, Mr Salva Kiir Mayardit, which includes numerous ministers of the Government of National Unity and Southern Sudan.

I would also like to thank all Sudan's partners present here today, and in particular the organizers of the Consortium, the World Bank and the United Nations.

This substantial participation by the international community shows once again the strong interest we all share in Sudan and her people who have suffered so much during these long years of conflict.

NAIROBI/PEACE AGREEMENT/DR GARANG/SALVA KIIR

The return of peace to Sudan is essential for both the Sudanese people and the stability of the entire sub-region. The stability of neighbouring countries, not only in the Horn of Africa but also Central Africa and North Africa, depends on the restoration of peace in this huge country strategically located between Africa and the Middle East.

The conclusion of the Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement, on 9 January 2005, was a historic event for Sudan and for Africa. After terrible years of war, the longest-running conflict on the African continent – over 20 years –, yesterday's protagonists decided to become partners to build a new, peaceful Sudan, a united country that respects cultural, political, ethnic and religious differences.

A little over a year after it was signed, the results of the application of the Nairobi agreement are globally positive. A new constitution has been promulgated, the government and the parliament of National Unity and Southern Sudan have been formed, and various joint committees bringing together the National Congress and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement have been set up.

This progress is all the more positive in that the tragic death of Dr John Garang de Mabior, to whom I would like to pay a glowing tribute, had led to fears of the peace process being derailed. Fortunately, the process continued. This is an indication of its solidity, and of the commitment of all parties to pursue it in the future. On this occasion I would like to salute First Vice-President Salva Kiir who, with determination, was able to take up the torch and continue Dr Garang's work.

Building peace in Sudan is a difficult task that will certainly encounter some obstacles. Sudan is not alone in the path of reconciliation and reconstruction she has chosen. She can count on the support and attention of the international community.

This is the impetus behind this meeting of the Sudan Consortium. We are here to support the peace process, assess the progress achieved in the last year, and increase our coordination in order to promote peace and encourage the reconstruction and long-term social and economic development of Sudan.

The Sudanese people, who are impatient to see positive results from the peace process, can rest assured that the international community will respect the commitments made at the Oslo conference.

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE/FRANCE/EU/SUDANESE OIL REVENUES/JUBA FRENCH EMBASSY OFFICE

To this end, I would like to remind you that, last year, France announced bilateral development assistance of €35 million for 2005-2007. We are going to make an additional effort and increase our contribution to €55 million over three years. I should also specify that France contributes almost a quarter of all European aid to Sudan. In total, France's support for Sudan will amount to €120 million for the period 2005-2007. In addition, France has decided to open, in the coming weeks, an "embassy office" in Juba, capital of Southern Sudan.

I believe it is right to point out here that the aid provided by the international community for Sudan only complements the efforts to be undertaken by the Sudanese themselves to capitalize on the wealth of their country. Indeed, Sudan is not lacking in resources.

In this regard, oil revenues should enable the country to implement an ambitious budget, in the North and the South. This is why it is particularly important for the National Oil Committee to begin actively working to ensure that all the Sudanese people can benefit from the oil.

DARFUR/AU/AMIS/N’DJAMENA CEASEFIRE

Unfortunately, the return of peace to Southern Sudan is clouded by the grave situation in Darfur. This conflict is having a serious impact on civilians. In addition, it threatens to undermine the progress made in the South, and may destabilize neighbouring countries, Chad in particular.

Progress has undoubtedly been made since the Darfur crisis began three years ago. Massive humanitarian aid has been brought to the populations of Darfur, who, for the most part, are now living in camps for displaced persons. The security situation has improved thanks to the efforts of the African force (AMIS).

I know that tomorrow the African Union is to discuss the future of this mission and the possibility of the involvement of the United Nations. For my part, I would like to pay tribute to the African Union for what it has achieved. Nonetheless, the ceasefire is far too often violated by all parties involved in the conflict.

This is why I now urge the Sudanese government and rebel movements to fully respect the N’djamena ceasefire agreement of 8 April 2004 and, as rapidly as possible, conclude a political agreement, which is the only way to achieve a real resolution of the Darfur crisis. The Abuja negotiations have lasted too long. It is time to reach an agreement.

In Darfur, as in Southern Sudan, the international community is determined to support your peace efforts. The African Union and the UN have made a massive commitment in Sudan, and are ready to take it further. The time has come to turn the page of violence and conflict in Sudan once and for all. Sudan's future is in our hands. I wish you success in your work to match the expectations of the international community and the Sudanese people who have already suffered far too much./.