Sudan’s al-Bashir appeals for national reconciliation
Jan 7, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese president Omar al Bashir, on Sunday launched a national reconciliation appeal to all political forces in the country.
The President pointed out in his address before the ceremony marking the fifty first anniversary of the National Independence Day that this was a message to all Sudanese People who should respond to the call of National Reconciliation and of restoring rights and letting go.
The President pointed out to the government seriousness in the democratic transformation process and that this would be based on laws to be agreed upon for organization of the partisan life in accordance with the stipulations of the constitution.
Al-Bashir referred in his address to the efforts exerted by the government to enforce the unimplemented clauses of the Comprehensive Peace Agreements singed in Naivasha and its endeavors to equally implement the Abuja and the Addis Ababa agreements.
He commended the roles played by Egypt, Libya, and Eritrea as well as the African Union and the United Nations in boosting the peace process and stability in the country.
The President called on all political parties to get ready for the elections and to prepare themselves for a fair and free competition for the peaceful exchange of power and just distribution of wealth.
The north-south peace deal stipulates presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of 2008. In 2011 the south will have a referendum on whether to secede from the north. But preparations are slow for a census, vital for successful elections and the referendum.
There was no political freedom after President Omar Hassan al-Bashir took power in a coup in 1989. But since the signing of the CPA, Sudan has enjoyed a relative liberal political atmosphere and many exiled political parties have returned.
Despite the improved political environment, a civil war still ravaging the remote western Darfur region. Observers are wondering how the displaced Darfurians could participate in 2008 elections and generally how Darfur people can take part in this major political event with the ongoing conflict.
(ST)