Vice-president warns Turabi against “kindling fire of discord”
By Sudanese radio
KHARTOUM, Nov.22, 2003 — The first vice-president of the republic, Al-Ustadh [honorific] Ali Uthman Muhammad Taha, met today with newspapers chief editors and briefed them on various issues related to current developments in the Sudanese domain.
The first vice-president dealt with the situation in Darfur [western Sudan], saying that some quarters were striving to take back the issue to square one and undermine the agreement [western rebels] signed in Abeche [eastern Chad]. He called on the people of Darfur to listen to the voice of reason and give not a chance to those who are striving to disrupt security and stability.
His excellency explained contacts being made with the rest of the political parties. He said contacts were being with various parties in order to coordinate stands. He expressed his regret concerning the role being played by the leader of the [Islamist] Popular [National] Congress [PNC], [Dr Hasan al-Turabi] and his efforts of kindling the fire of discord Darfur. The first vice-president asked the leader of the PNC to change his politics if he want to retain his presence in the political arena.
Al-Ustadh Ali Uthman Muhammad Taha also spoke about conflicts between legislative organs and [states’] governments, saying this was a normal thing and most worthy. He said the differences had not reached a crisis level and could be solved within institutional legislative framework.
During the meeting, the first vice-president also touched on the issue of agricultural revenues. He said he had met with concerned quarters in the states. He said the issues of imposing taxes on agriculture produce was an affair of [individual] states. He spoke of another meeting to be held with the General Union of Sudanese Farmers and other concerned quarters, saying the issue of agricultural revenues would remain open until the Council of Ministers decisively deliberate on it.
Concerning the coming round of peace talks, the first vice- president said it calls for more concentration. He said the visit of [rebel leader John] Garang to the USA and his meetings officials there was a normal thing. He said the visit was meant strengthen chances of realizing peace.
BBC Monitoring Newsfile