South African Mbeki, Sudanese Salva Kiir discuss peace, Darfur
By Miyong Kuon
April 12, 2007 (JUBA) — The South African President, Thabo Mbeki, discussed with the First Vice President and the President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Darfur crisis during a short visit to the capital of southern Sudan, Juba, on Wednesday April 11, the Washington based SSBIN website reported.
“I’m sure as you know; we have very good relation the Government of Southern Sudan and the Government of South Africa. We are very interested that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement should be fully implemented as was agreed.” Mbeki said.
The South African president said he was interested to discuss the solution of Darfur crisis with Salva Kiir.
“We are also very interested to see solution to other problem that Sudan faces including the question of Darfur. We came here to Juba first of all, to hear from the president about how far we are with regard to the further development of this part of Sudan as well as other issue are facing the country.” he said.
He said that the meeting with cabinets has better indicated some of the challenges. We will indeed make sure that we further increase the cooperation between Government of Southern Sudan and the Government of South Africa so we all of us act together to address the challenges facing this part of the continent.
President Mbeki also reiterated that, coming to Juba and meeting with the GoSS president allowed him to think better and more precisely as to what kind of support and assistance can give to Government of Southern Sudan and Sudan as the whole.
While the South African President voiced his support to accelerate the implementation of the CPA, and the building of Southern Sudan, his visit to Sudan increases the mounted pressure put on the Government of Sudan to accept the Blue helmet in Darfur.
“His visit to Juba is very short but useful.” It gives the Government of Southern Sudan a small recognition and spirit of cooperation. President Salva Kiir told the press.
The two presidents briefly met with press and soon ushered away from the journalist by the security, got in the motorcade and off to the airport.
South African President Thabo Mbeki arrived in Khartoum on Tuesday April 10 to join the global push for UN peacekeepers in Darfur.
GARANG’S MAUSOLEUM
Just after his arrival at Juba international Airport, President Mbeki headed to Dr. John Garang Memorial located two to three miles from the Airport. Endless line of school children and general public stood on both sides of the road some showing signs that read, “South Africa is our Big Brother.” The South African President waved at the school children while his black motorcade strictly guided to follow the police siren.
Juba residents were amazed by unfamiliar motorcades that by far don’t look any similar to any vehicle in the city of Juba. These bullets prove motorcades were ferry in from South Africa and chauffeured by President Mbeki men. President Mbeki and President Salva Kiir emerged out of the Motorcade walked toward the red carpet that led to the Mausoleum.
They all saluted Dr. John Garang’s Mausoleum and slowly walked toward the designated spot where head of states usually stand to pay respects to the late Dr. Garang. President Mbeki took a seat adjacent to the Mausoleum where he wrote a brief note and signed.
(SSBIN)