Sudanese president affirms commitment to peace agreement

KHARTOUM, Aug 11, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir, has affirmed his confidence on the First Vice President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir, and his keenness to follow the method of his predecessor John Garang, toward implementation of the peace agreement in full seriousness.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir speaks after Salva Kiir was sworn in as Sudan’s first vice president at a low-key ceremony in Khartoum, Aug 11, 2005 (AFP).

Speaking at a ceremony at the Republican Palace Thursday 11 August for the oath taking of Salva Kiir, Al-Beshir said that the coming stage necessitates joint work to establish wise and democratic governance, in compliance with the Constitution.

He welcomed Salva Kiir and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) as a genuine partner to implement the peace agreement, secure national unity and realization of development.

Sudanese president said there shall be joint work to surpass the bitterness of the past and to go ahead in the path of peaceful co-existence, mutual confidence, fraternity and tolerance, and to strengthen the social fabric.

He said that all parties shall intensify efforts to increase the production, end the suffering, combat poverty, enhance the services and to develop the rural areas. He said that the government is determined to realize social development, combat corruption, boost maternity and the role of women, expand the lofty values, and to achieve just sharing of wealth and power and capacity building.

Al-Beshir further more reiterated the government commitment to achieve solution for Darfur problem as soon as possible and to support the return of the displaced citizens and refugees to their home areas, adding that the criminals will be punished for their violations.

He stressed that every item of the peace agreement will be implemented, as any aspect of conflict at any area in the country will be removed.

Regarding the formation of the National Unity Government, Al-Beshir affirmed that the government will continue efforts to reach agreement with all the opposition forces in east Sudan toward paving the way for development and rehabilitation.

He expressed his thanks to all the leaders of the African and Arab and other countries and regional and international organizations who extended condolences on the death of the late first vice-president, Dr John Garang.

He emphasized that there will be fair and transparent investigation in the recent sorrowful incidents, compensation to the affected people and punishment for the guilty.