NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 8 - President Mwai Kibaki on Monday held discussions with members of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel on Darfur led by former Presidents, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Pierre Buyoya of Burundi.

President Kibaki commended the High Level Panel for exploring invaluable mechanisms of resolving the Sudan conflict for the benefit of the region.

The Head of State expressed Kenya’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Sudan despite concerns over the slow implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

The President noted that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement has remained resilient despite various challenges. He said that the signatories must sustain commitment to the full and speedy implementation of the remaining aspects of the CPA.

He noted that there was need for timely legislation and preparation for the referendum scheduled for January 2011 by setting up the referendum commission, commence voter registration and other administrative mechanisms.

President Kibaki noted that the Darfur and CPA processes are entangled and at the same time formed a firm basis for realizing comprehensive peace in Sudan adding the two must be pursued relentlessly.

Once again President Kibaki emphasised that the successful implementation of the CPA in Southern Sudan, would give impetus and renewed confidence in resolving the Darfur conflict. 

The High Level Panel which was constituted to examine issues of peace, justice, accountability, impunity and reconciliation in Darfur began its work in March 2009 and was mandated to expedite implementation of key recommendations and other processes of democratically transforming the republic of Sudan.

The Panel is seeking support from all the countries that neighbour Sudan in the realisation of the stability in the country.

The High Level panel further commended Kenya for the continued commitment and assistance towards the realization of a peaceful and stable Sudan.

The panel assured that they would continue with more engagements to ensure lasting peace is secured.

In attendance were Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula, Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode and Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb Francis Muthaura.

Others in the High Level Panel included acting Head of Darfur Desk at the AU Commission Amb Stanilas Nakaha among others.