Ruling NCP, SPLM hold first joint meeting Saturday

May 26, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese President and First Vice President will address Saturday 27 May the joint meeting between the political leaderships of the ruling National Congress Party and his political partner Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The joint meeting, which is considered the first of its kind between the two partners at this level, is to discuss means of boosting the partnership between the NC and the SPLM established by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The President Adviser and Secretary for Political liaison in the NCP, Mustafa Osman Ismail has said at a press conference Friday that the meetings would continue for two days and that they might be extended if need be for a third day at the end of which a joint press conference would be held and would be addressed by President Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir.

He said the meetings would start with an open ceremonial session and then go into close door meetings to review the various papers prepared and issues relevant to the implementation of the CPA and level of implementation at the various sector, states and federal levels.

He said another axes would deal with the political partidicati0pon and the efforts exerted for the inclusiveness of all forces in the national action beside a joint vision to implement such a step.

The opening session will be attended by leaders of political parties, executives, representatives of regional and international organizations as well as diplomatic missions in the Sudan beside national personalities.

(ST)