South-south dialogue conference to resume next week
KHARTOUM, Mar 21, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The preparatory meetings on south – south dialogue have agreed on the agendas of the comprehensive conference on south suggested to be launched on 28th of the current month in Kenya.
The participants also have agreed to devote efforts on the developing of the south and peaceful transition of power and consolidate the constitutional organs during the interim period, the pro governmental SMC reported.
Osman Al Tawil spokesperson of the Southern States Coordination Council — allied to the government – and information minister indicated that the comprehensive conference on the south has decided the membership to the conference by 120. Forty members out of which was granted for the ruling National Congress party, forty for SPLA, 20 for southern political force and for civil society organization each, while 25% form the total membership was allocated for woman representation.
Earlier this month the SSCC has decided to boycott the preliminary meetings of the South-South dialogue and return to Khartoum, in protest over a proposal made by Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.
The SSCC supported the idea of restricting participation at the preliminary meeting to delegations from the SPLM and the SSCC, and to later have an all-inclusive meeting for all southerners.
The South Sudan Defense Force, the biggest militia based in the south, was not believed to be represented at the talks, having vowed to boycott the meeting due what it said was the poor leadership of SPLM leader John Garang.
The conference, dubbed South-South Dialogue, organized by former Kenyan president Daniel Moi’s charitable organization, Moi African Institute (MAI) is aimed at achieving a consensus among the various southern forces on the final peace agreement that was signed early this year between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Khartoum government.
Retired Kenyan General Lazaro Sumbeiywo, the man who mediated a final peace agreement between Khartoum and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) is expected to participate in this conference.