Sudanese official denies delay in peace implementation

Jan 11, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Presidential Adviser, Dr. Mansour Khalid, has denied existence of any slowness in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Khalid further added that any delay in this regard was attributed to the existence of objective reasons that resulted from the sudden death of the SPLM leader, Dr. John Garang.

He said in a press statement to SUNA that the sudden death of Dr. Garang necessitated adoption of urgent measures to select his successor and to resume implementation of the peace agreement; especially that implementation of basic issues in the agreement did not yet began.

The Presidential adviser said that the major accomplishments in first year since the signing of the peace agreement included establishment of the commissions, the national unity government and South Sudan Government.

He said that several issues are still awaiting accomplishment with regard to implementation of the peace agreement.

He hoped that the institutions and commissions, which were set up in accordance with the peace agreement, will be able to realize their tasks and objectives in the coming stage.

Khalid stressed the vital role of development concerning the implementation of the peace agreement, adding that the former peace negotiations in Naivasha and Machakos have stipulated the necessity of sustainable development and the rehabilitation of the war-affected areas.

He added that the solution of the issue of Abyei area shall take place in accordance with the text of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

(ST)