Sudan’s first vice-president leaves for USA

Oct 30, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese first vice-president and the president of Southern Sudan government, Lt-Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit, has left for Nairobi on his way to Washington, USA for a visit, which will last several days.

It will be Kiir’s first visit to the USA since assuming the position of the First Vice-President of Sudan.

During the visit, Kiir will meet with senior US officials to discuss a number of political issues in the country.

Upon leaving the country, Kiir said he will meet with officials of the US Administration to discuss the possibilities of lifting sanctions against the government besides supporting the settlement of returnees and development programmes.

Kiir expressed hope that the visit will strengthen efforts to bring about stability in the country.

On 19 October members of US Congress inaugurated the first “Sudan caucus” to try to focus attention on that embattled country, which despite a truce still struggles for true peace after three decades of civil war.

Sudan caucus intends to put more pressure on the ruling National Congress party to boost peace implementation in the South and resolve Darfur crisis.

(ST)