The US State Department on Thursday called on Sudan’s for a peaceful civilian-led transition. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said that “It is time to move toward a transitional government that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law.” Sudan remained labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism, Ortagus stated as she emphasized that Washington’s policies toward the country would be based on “our assessment of events on the ground and the actions of transitional authorities.” The official also said the US was “encouraged” by the release of political prisoners and the cancellation by the transitional military council of a curfew. Latest developments in Sudan, ousting former president Omar al-Bashir and the transitional military council taking charge were main topics of the Security Council session, which was scheduled previously to mull planned withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. Security Council in New York Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative for the UN-African Union Hybrid mission (UNAMID) updated the Security Council on events since the ousting of Bashir. Mamabolo said that with Sudanese Defence Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf resigning only one day after taking charge in the face of continuing protests, Head of the Transitional Military Council in Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was appointed and he announced a military transitional phase in which the daily curfew has now been lifted, and political detainees were released, with a nationwide ceasefire now in place. Internal Affair Kuwaits Ambassador to the United Nations Mansour al-Otaibi has affirmed the current situations in Sudan are internal and should not be interfered with. Jonathan Allen, UK deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, reiterated calls to the African Union to return to the civil rule in Sudan, demanding the military council to respond to people’s demands, protect protesters and support human rights. Acting Permanent Representative of the United States Jonathan Cohen said: “The United States expects the strategic report to also consider the events of the last several months and weeks and their impact on the stability and security of Darfur." “Even with the significant events, the government and parties should show measurable and sustainable progress on prioritized benchmarks. In particular, demonstrating the government’s ability and capacity to protect and provide for the Darfur people and addressing root causes of the conflict." "Absent such evidence of progress, the United States is supportive of this Council considering all options as we seek to bring long-term peace and stability to Darfur,” he added.