国际英语新闻：UNSC calls for "peaceful, credible, timely free referenda" in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday adopted a presidential statement to reiterate the world body's call for "peaceful, credible, timely and free referenda" for Sudan, and urge the region "to take urgent action to implement their commitment."

The presidential statement was adopted at the start of a Security Council meeting on Sudan which was chaired by British Foreign Secretary William Hague, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council for November.

"The Security Council emphasizes that the situation in Sudan represents one of the most urgent challenges facing the Council," read the statement.

The statement reaffirmed the 15-nation Council's "strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, peace and stability of Sudan."

The Council welcomed the start of the registration for the South Sudan referendum which took place on Monday and encouraged " further efforts to ensure" that the referenda scheduled for Jan. 9, 2011 is held.

The statement cited concern by the "continued delays in releasing to the South Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) the full funding needed for preparations to continue to move forward."

"The Security Council calls on the parties and all member states to respect the outcome of credible referenda, held in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), that reflect the will of the people of southern Sudan and Abyei," read the statement.