SPLM to rejoin Sudan’s government after Christmas

December 24, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese First Vice President and Chairman of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced today that SPLM ministers would rejoin the national unity government after the holiday of Christmas.

The former rebel movement pulled out its ministers from the federal government on December 11, 2007 to mark its disapproval of the ill implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed with the government of the National Congress Party in January 2005.

“The constitutional post holders from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) will resume their activities in the Government of National Unity immediately after the Christmas and the two partners had overcome the crisis,” Mayardit said in a message aired from Juba to the Sudanese people and the Christian particularly on the occasion of the Christmas.

He reiterated that there will never be a return to war, pointing out that the two partners to Naivasha agreement agreed to press ahead with the implementation of the agreement.

Salva Kiir called on the Sudanese to show the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness and work together to boost peace that had been realized in the country, stressing the importance of unity of ranks for facing the challenges of development and realizing peace all over the country.

(ST)