Garang returns to Khartoum on July 7

KHARTOUM, June 24, 2005 (KUNA) — Chief of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) John Garang said on Friday he will return to Khartoum on July 7.

SPLA leader John Garang greets his supporters at freedom square in Rumbek during a rally where he informed the people about the peace talks with Sudan government, September 30, 2003.

“I will be in Khartoum on June 7 and will perform the constitutional oath on the 9th,” said Garang in a release to the Sudanese Press Center, while noting that the coalition government will be formed some time after the oath.

He explained that the three-member presidential council ruling the country include President Umar Al-Bashir, himself as First Vice-President and Vice-President Ali Taha.

Ending 22 years of armed conflict, the peace agreement between the SPLM and the government was signed in Kenya last January 9.