Sudan’s Kiir hails Egypt’s role in developing South
October 25, 2009 (CAIRO) – The First Vice President of Sudan and the president of South Sudan Salva Kiir today lauded the fulfillment of Egyptian promises for development projects in the South.
According to Egyptian state media Kiir said that development taken with Cairo “will push the unity for the Southern Sudanese people and this will be tangible”.
Nazeef on his end confirmed his government’s continuous support to Southern Sudan to achieve development and raise the standard of living of its citizen noting that development projects include roads, health, and education. He also confirmed Egypt’s full support to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) “hoping that it will lead to preserving Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity,”
The premier “did stress that Egypt would respect any choice made by the people of south Sudan regarding their future, but hoped that they would choose unity with the north,” Radi was quoted by Agence France Presse (AFP).
The CPA allows Southern Sudanese to hold a referendum in 2011 to choose whether they want to have their own state or remain part of united Sudan.
Egypt has historically been wary of splitting Sudan up for fear that it will affect its share of the Nile waters which it considers its lifeline.
Last July the Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Aboul-Gheit warned that separation of South Sudan would lead to proliferation of poverty and internal conflict within the new state.
However, most observers anticipate that the Southerners will vote overwhelmingly for secession.
(ST)