During a recent farewell visit to Wau, outgoing UNMIS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jasbir Lidder said security had improved throughout the mission, as parties adhered to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

In an interview with UN Radio Miraya, the Force Commander urged the parties - the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and the National Congress Party -- to keep up momentum in completely implementing the peace accord, adding that there was no rationale for Sudan to return to war.

"I think there is no reason for anybody to die now, whether they are Misseriya, Dinka, SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army) or SAF (Sudan Armed Forces)," Lt. Gen. Lidder said.

The Force Commander praised Kenyan, Bangladeshi, Chinese and Indian peacekeepers for implementing key security aspects of the CPA. He appealed to all to maintain peace so that humanitarian efforts as well as development and recovery work could occur.

A member of the Indian Army, Lt.Gen. Lidder served as Force Commander of UNMIS from January 2006 until April 2008.