Monday, January 10 2005 21:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Welcoming the peace accord in Nairobi between the Sudanese Government and the main rebel group, India today (Jan 10, 2005) said it will enable the African nation to play its rightful role in the region and bring greater stability.

"We also note that this accord is a successful demonstration of direct peace negotiations between the parties concerned, arrived at by mutual accord with the State without resort to force, in a peaceful manner," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

He said it will further strengthen the integrity and sovereignty of the multi-ethnic and pluralistic African nation.

The agreement signed yesterday between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement was demonstrative of the statesmanship of the leaders of both sides -- President Omer Bashir and John Garang, chairman of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army, Sarna said.

"It will not only put an end to two decades of civil war in Sudan but also pave the way for more rapid progress and development in the entire nation."