Papers greet Sudan's 'new chapter'

Monday's Arab press hails the accord between Khartoum and the southern rebels as a chance for peace and prosperity.

But it also reflects concern over the continuing crisis in Darfur, as well as an awareness that the journey of reconstruction has only just begun.

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This great gathering of world leaders, foreign ministers, ministers, representatives of international and regional organisations, of governments, and indeed the unprecedented congregation which came to witness the event, confirms what the entire world expects from us after the signing of the peace pact.

Editorial Sudan's Al-Sahafa

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Our brothers in Sudan yesterday entered a new chapter with the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, ending the fierce fighting in the south... Sudan has embarked on a journey of peace and we hope that it will never retrogress.

Editorial in Egypt's Al-Jumhuriyah

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The Sudanese historic peace pact will indeed end one of Africa's longest wars... But this peace agreement did not incorporate another conflict which is taking a dangerous course... If it is at all serious about restoring peace and stability in Sudan, the international community must move quickly and seriously to resolve the Darfur conflict. This conflict is threatening to render yesterday's peace pact meaningless.

Editorial in Qatar's Al-Watan

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The soothing journey begins... Sudan has realised that peace brings about stability and the construction of a new nation.

Editorial in Saudi Al-Riyadh

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The brotherly people of Sudan are waiting patiently to harvest the good fruits of peace.

Editorial in UAE's Al-Bayan

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With the signing of the final peace agreement, this Arab country will move into a new bright era and new aspirations. It will have time to rebuild and develop, as well as time to exploit its natural and human resources to benefit its people.

Editorial in Oman's Oman

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It is a 'must' for the parties which signed the peace accord to comprehend their responsibility for its successful implementation.

Commentary in UK-based Al-Hayat

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Yesterday was a rare day in the history of Sudan after the signing of the peace accord between the government and the SPLM, led by John Garang. This is an agreement to divide the Sudanese cake in a manner which seems acceptable to all the parties.

Commentary in UK-based Al-Sharq al-Awsat

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BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.