Eritrean delegation attended Garang funeral
ASMARA, Aug 8, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — A high level Eritrean delegation took part in the funeral procession of Dr. John Garang de Mabior Sudanese First Vice President and head of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) that took place in Juba, Southern Sudan yesterday 6th of August 2005, the official Shabait said yesterday.
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Pallbearers carry the coffin of late SPLM leader and first vice president of Sudan John Garang to All Saints cathedral for a funeral service in Juba, August 6, 2005 (Reuters). |
The London based newspaper Al-Sharq Alawsat said two days ago that Eritrean delegation didn’t attend the funeral of Garang because Sudanese authorities refused to deliver the necessary authorisation to its aircraft.
According to the site of the Eritrean Ministry of Information, the high level Eritrean delegation representing Eritrea at the funeral procession included Foreign Minister Ali Seid Abdellah, Defense Minister General Sebhat Efrem, Commander of the First Zonal Operation Command Brigadier General Teckle Kiflay, Head of PFDJ organizational affairs Mr. Abdellah Jaber and other Eritrean senior government officials and military commanders.
In a message the spouse of John Garang de Mabior Madame Rebecca delivered during the funeral said that John Garang is a lamb of peace and expressed her unreserved faith that the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) will carry on its journey with commitment and devotion.
Various messages delivered during the memorial service also indicated that the death of John Garang at a significant and historic journey for peace in the Sudan, is a major loss for the people of the Sudan in general and the people of Southern Sudan in particular.
A great number of dignitaries that included heads of state and representatives of different nations, international organizations, heads and members of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and other political forces of the Sudan and thousands others attended the funeral of John Garang.