Garang – Sudan to be “an example for modern history”

KHARTOUM, July 8, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — Text of address by former Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (PLM) leader John Garang to members of ruling National Congress party, as well as, SPLM supporters in Khartoum.

Sudanese President Omer el Bashir right holds handswith leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army at the headquarters of the ruling national congress party in Khartoum, Sudan, Friday, July 8, 2005. Garang set foot in the capital for the first time in 22 years Friday, ahead of his swearing in to the position of first vice president. (AP).

The speech is broadcast live by Sudanese TV on 8 July.

[Garang, in Arabic] Peace be upon you. I congratulate and thank the president, Umar Hasan al-Bashir, as well as, the members of the [ruling] National Congress, the people of the government, the people of [Sudan] People’s [Liberation] Movement and all the people of Sudan and we tell them congratulations to you all as peace has been achieved.

I am in the middle of my brothers and sisters, I did not return to Sudan. I have [always] been in Sudan.

They used to say that this was impossible but all of you can see me standing in front of you with President Al-Bashir and we are standing in front of you and this [peace] is true.

This talk [of peace being achieved] is true and peace has come and it will extend to all parts of Sudan: north, south, east and west and in the centre will be comprehensive peace.

I came to work together with everyone, we will join hands and move forward so that Sudan will be transformed into a new Sudan and we will be an example for modern history in the region as well as Africa and the whole world.

I did not come to talk a lot but to greet you people at the National Congress and I say peace be upon you.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service.