Governor Richardson secured a commitment from Sudanese President Omer Hassan Al Bashir to agree to a 60-day cessation of hostilities in the Darfur region to allow for a new political process under the Darfur Peace Agreement and the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations. Richardson negotiated the deal in January 2007 after a separate meeting with rebel leaders who said they would agree to a cease-fire. Richardson also secured commitments from President Al Bashir to protect humanitarian aid workers and journalists, condemn gender-based violence, and an agreement not to have the National military aircraft painted in white markings normally reserved for international organizations.