Al-Beshir promises full cooperation with Garang

KHARTOUM, July 9, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The Sudanese president, Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, today at a celebrations marking the swearing in ceremony of the president and his two deputies, attended by various international leaders, delivered a speech aimed at addressing the new Sudan and its transitional period.

President Omar El-Bashir is sworn in as president of the Republic of Sudan in Khartoum Saturday July 9, 2005 . (AP).

In his speech, broadcasted by Sudan TV, president Al-Bashir expressed happiness saying it was a historic day, full of happiness and good things. He said the peace agreement will in future improve people’s lives, aspirations, social and economic endeavours, beside preparing the country to occupy its rightful position and play its role regionally and internationally.

“I welcome Brother Dr John Garang and his movement (SPLM) and you will find a full cooperation and working together from our side,” he added.

Commenting on the importance of reconciliation, Al-Bashir said we should be “removing land mines from our souls before removing them from the land,” adding that people’s interests should come first before individual interests.

Emphasizing the need for upholding the peace values, the president called reconciliation, co-existence and forgiveness among the citizens. While enumerating some of the few, among the many advantages, of peace agreement, the president touched on various sectors including: improvement in the country’s economy, health, agriculture, education, sports associations, women groups, science and technology.

Cautioning the citizens from misusing the peace values, the president warned against corruption, immorality in the country, saying “We should strengthen family values, child education and uphold Sudanese culture.”

Al-Bashir promised his cooperation and jointly working with other leaders in the country by including them in the new government as stipulated in the constitution, promising to respect freedom and democracy. He said there will be a cabinet and legislature that will pay great attention to efficiency and accountability with an aim of strengthening justice.

On Darfur, he expressed commitment in observing recently signed principles of Declarations and give special consideration on how “the displaced people could return to their villages”.

Concerning the eastern part of the country, the president said more efforts will be continued with the help of the opposition parties, in order to achieve an agreement with them. He promised the citizens a balanced development programmes, with a special attention to southern Sudan and all parts affected by the war.

He urged all political parties to put a side and overcome the old politics, to put the country’s interests beyond that of narrow political and gains. He said he would welcome responsible opposition that observes democratic values.

Congratulating those who contributed to the achievement of the peace, he paid tribute to the martyrs, from both the government and southern movement, who died in the cause of defending their principles. He congratulated Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) head of states leaders; the USA and all friendly countries; Nigeria, Ethiopia, Libya, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

He also thanked the UN, the Arab League, the EU, AU and other organizations.

The president finally appealed to donors who pledged to support the country during the Oslo donor conference.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service.