Outgoing UNMIS Force Commander Lieut. Gen. Paban Jung Thapa said during a trip to the Bahr El-Ghazal capital of Wau on that Sudan's peace process was progressing well.

"As a Mission, we are succeeding in reaching major benchmarks in the process and I believe things are going in the right direction," said Lieut. Gen. Thapa at the end of his two-day visit to the area on 14 May.

He emphasized, however, that the commitment of political leaders to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) would be needed to see the peace process through.

"UNMIS and the international community are looking for further commitment and consensus from the two partners to solve all pending issues on time and in a way that brings durable peace and stability to Sudan," the Force Commander said.

Despite worries that violence could occur during the recent elections, they were conducted peacefully and without major incident, he added. "I believe the referendum will be conducted in an even more peaceful and stable way."

As part of the CPA, Sudan held its first multi-party elections in 24 years in April. Referenda are scheduled for January 2011 in Southern Sudan (on continued unity with the north or secession) and Abyei (on whether to be part of the north or south).

General Thapa, who is from Nepal, has been working with UNMIS for the last two years. Upon leaving the mission at the end of May, he said he would take with him fond memories of Sudan and its people.

"I love Sudan and its hospitable and generous people. I am leaving this beautiful country with a lot of memories in my mind," he concluded.