UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appealed to all parties in Sudan on Thursday to immediately cease hostilities and stop all attacks against civilians.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Annan said he is deeply concerned about the worsening security situation in Darfur and its consequences for the wider region, including Chad and the Central African Republic.

He appealed to all parties in the strongest terms to immediately cease hostilities and stop all attacks against civilians.

"Those violating international humanitarian law by attacking civilians and relief workers must be held accountable," he stressed.

Annan called upon the Sudanese government to reestablish law and order in the areas under its control, and called on all parties to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need.

"The United Nations and the African Union stand ready to provide co-mediation and to extend all necessary support to the urgently needed Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation," he added.

Source: Xinhua