United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the Sudanese government's cooperation is essential to successfully deploying a new peacekeeping force in Darfur.
The UN chief met Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir at the start of his first trip to the country since taking the reins of the world body in January.
Ban said al-Bashir responded positively and reassured the UN leader that his government was ready to cooperate.
''I am working to hasten the day when there is peace throughout Sudan, including Darfur. There can be no military solution to this conflict, therefore we need the cease fire right away.''
Ban also called on the Sudanese people, the international community and the United Nations to bring peace and security to this part of the world.
During his first trip to Sudan, Ban also traveled to the country's southern part and met with local officials.
