Bush to appoint special envoy to monitor CPA implementation

July 29, 2006 (JUBA) — US President has promised to appoint a special envoy to monitor the peace deal signed last year between the Sudanese government and the former rebel SPLM ending two decades of war in the country.

According to Juba based The Citizen daily, the President Georges W. Bush has promised Sudanese First Vice President Salva Kiir during their 20 July meeting to name a special envoy to monitor Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) implementation.

Kiir asked the US Administration, in its capacity as a guarantor of the CPA, to get involved in its implementation process in order to assure that the agreement survives.

First Vice President Kiir discussed with the American president issues of concern to Sudan, such as developmental assistance, particularly for Southern Sudan, Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile.

Also, the SPLM Chairman requested the American president to exempt Southern Sudan, Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile from the sanctions being imposed on Sudan.

The ruling National Congress Party has criticised Kiir statement on the slow implementation of the CPA in the USA.

The state-run SUNA didn’t report the arrival of the First Vice President to Khartoum from the USA. It just reported a meeting he held today with the President Omer al-Bashir on the outcome of the visit.

(ST)