SSDF keen to achieve peace in Sudan

Moi African Institute, Karen, Kenya, June 28, 2005 — This press statement from the southern Sudan defence force (SSDF) is to confirm the fact that, all the concerned officers of the force are already here in Karen (Kenya), for the occasion of the reconciliation talks with Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Army (SPLM/A). The force is here to confirm to the international community and the Sudanese People’s that, we are keen to implement the comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), to guarantee the happiness of the Sudanese people in general and the Southern Sudanese in particular.

Due to transportation difficulties back in Khartoum, the most senior officers of the SSDF have not yet arrived Kenya, and it is being speculated that, due to unavailability of flights to Kenya today 28th June 2005, these senior officers including the Chief of Staff of the SSDF, Major General Paulino Matip may then arrive here on 29th June 2005. It must be reiterated that, all the SSDF Senior Officers are keen to attend this important reconciliation talks for the universal stability of the southern Sudan.

Due to this unforeseen event, the SSDF hereby announce that, all concerned parties to these discussions must remain committed to the objectives of this event until all the senior SSDF officers have arrived to make the possibility of a concrete discussion a reality. It is obvious to all southern Sudanese of goodwill including the SSDF that, the future of Southern Sudan depends on these talks between the SSDF and SPLM/A. Therefore, the SSDF hereby calls upon the leadership of the SPLM/A to remain in Karen until the arrival of the Chief of Staff of the SSDF Major Paulino Matip on the 29th June 2005. We appreciate the efforts exerted by the government of Kenya, the Moi African Institute and the regional and international facilitators.

Signed:
– Brigadier Gathoth Gatkouth
– Spokesman for the SSDF Delegation