Sudan 2nd VP concludes visit to Juba, differences remain
December 18, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese 2nd Vice president Ali Osman Taha concluded a visit to the Southern capital for talks on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) amid reports of disagreements on outstanding laws.
Sudan state media reported that Taha also tackled the issue of oil rich region of Abyei as well as the 2011 referendum.
The Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) side was co-headed by GoSS President Salva Kiir and his Vice President Riek Machar.
The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the SPLM have been seeking to break a deadlock on the new laws before the national assembly adjourns.
SPLM officials that they could agree on the Press and Publications Act which gives the Press Council powers of control and accountability on the press, provided that the Council be elected by journalists and publishers.
Furthermore the Southern ex-rebels want changes in the National Security Law to incorporate the appointment of the National Security Service Director, appointment of his deputies, and the power to arrest.
The SPLM contends that the National Security Bureau functions should be limited to gathering intelligence information and analyzing it.
On his way to Khartoum Vice President Taha said that both sides agreed to certain mechanisms to speed up the implementation of the CPA as well as adopting the new laws.
Taha also said that a meeting for the fund to promote unity will be held shortly which aims at making North-South unity more appealing in the 2011 referendum.
The landmark peace deal which was signed on January 9, 2005, under the mediation of the Kenyan government, provides for referendum on self-determination in 2011 by the people of Southern Sudan to vote for unity of the country or secession.
The people of Abyei will also vote concurrently to either join the South or remain with the North.
Enactment of Referendum Law is very important for smooth exercise of the two referenda.
(ST)
Gatwech
Sudan 2nd VP concludes visit to Juba, differences remain
Ustaz Ali Osman Taha, trying dodge or avoid Dr. Riek Machar will not work. There is nothing more cheaper that you will get from Salva Kiir Mayardit. He is a separatist like Riek Machar. I know that you have the biggest headache when it comes to discussions on Refendum Bill and you hate Dr. Machar, the champion of self-determination. This is the reason you ran away from Khartoum leaving him there because you fear his strong debates on the issue. Let me tell you that this man, Dr. Machar has nothing less to accept about this exercise of referendum on self-determination for his people. Remember that in his Mission statement he said, “With Ballot or Bullet, South Sudan Shall be Free.” He doesn’t give a damn about, no matter how you think it is his biggest crime. He is destined for it and will see his people with Salva Kiir having their sovereign independent nation. Also read the book written about his war when he was asked by a Western writer how does he see the future of his country economically. In his prophetic vision he looked up and said, “I see millions of green shoots growing into tall plants to feed the world…I see what we can be when we are free.”