Khartoum State approves constitution

May 13, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Legislative Council of Khartoum State, chaired by its Speaker Mohamed Al-Sheikh Medani Saturday unanimously approved the Constitution of Khartoum State.

Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) representatives attended the meeting. After the formation of a six members committee to discuss the disputed points in the constitution.

The constitution was discussed by MPs article after article before its approval.

The constitution is to be send to the Ministry of Justice to assert its compliance with the interim national constitution and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement prior to its signing by the Wali of the State.

Medani told the press that First Vice President Salva Kiir and Second Vice President Ali Osman Taha will attend the next meeting of the council where the state governor is expected to sign the constitution.

In the past, the SPLM said that the constitution draft proposed by the ruling National Congress was not valid as the basis for discussion as it comprises chapters that are identical to those of the 1998 constitution. SPLM added that a proposal must be forwarded based on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the interim constitution.

(ST)