Southern Sudan government to be sworn in on Monday

Oct 23, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The Government of Southern Sudan will take oath of office before the President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Myardit, in Juba on Monday.

Jastin Yak, who was appointed as Minister of the Council of Ministers, told the official Sudan News Agency that implementing peace agreement and programmes for the return of the refugees from neighboring countries top the priorities of the newly appointed government.

He said achieving development in the various parts of southern Sudan is essential issue for the government.

Jastin Yak went on to say that realization of security and stability will be the main concern of the government.

He stressed the importance of giving concern to the census in order to benefit from it in the various projects.

First Vice President of the Republic and President of the Government of Southern Sudan Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Myardit issued on Saturday the decree Number 15 for 2005 appointing 20 executive ministers for the Government of Southern Sudan. 18

He also issued another decree appointing Seven advisers for the President of the Government of Southern Sudan.

The government includes a ministry for the wife of former SPLM leader John Garang, who was killed in a helicopter crash three weeks after taking office as first vice president in what many saw as a setback to the peace process.

Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed between The National Conress Party (NCP) and the former rebel, the SPLM dominates the southern government, taking 70 percent of ministries, with the ruling northern party the NCP and other southern forces each taking 15 percent.

(ST)