Canada says concerned by tension between two peace partners

December 25, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – Canada said yesterday alarmed by reports on escalating tension between the two peace partners following the endorsement by the dominant party of a referendum bill breaching a political agreement reached before.

This week the NCP legislators modified a referendum whose format was agreed on in the Sudanese cabinet and the presidency. The bill removed an article stipulating that southerners who reside outside the region will have to register and vote only in South Sudan.

The former Southern rebel group MP’s walked during the voting but the majority enjoyed by the NCP in the parliament allowed for the passage of the bill. At stake are the detailed provisions for how to carry out the 2011 referendum for independence of South Sudan, a voting process that was guaranteed under the 2005 peace deal with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

“Canada is deeply concerned by reports that the National Assembly in Khartoum has passed the Southern Sudan referendum bill without the support of both parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” said a statement issued by Canadian foreign minister Lawrence Cannon on Thursday.

The minister said the adoption of a legislation of such significant importance without take in consideration what had been reached before breaches confidence between the parties and jeopardizes the CPA implementation

Cannon reaffirmed Canada’s strong support of the CPA implementation in such a manner that confidence is built between the parties and that the country enjoys stability and peace “regardless of the outcome of the 2011 referendum on southern separation,” the statement said.

“Canada calls on all parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to reaffirm their commitment and to work in the spirit of transparency and cooperation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for Sudan.”

Yesterday the Sudanese government dismissed accusations by the US administration that the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) is undermining the implementation following the controversy surrounding the passing of the referendum law in the national assembly.

(ST)