Sudan’s Bashir visits Juba, says security important for peace
Nov 18, 2006 (JUBA) — While addressing the southern Sudan cabinet meeting, President Omar al-Bashir stressed that prevalence of security in the south is a major step in implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Al-Bashir affirmed the importance of a mechanism for coordination between the Armed Forces and Sudan People Liberation Movement, adding that the two parties are jointly responsible for the prevalence of security in the south.
He stressed the importance of security at the oil production and the investment areas, which is the responsibility of the joint forces.
Al-Bashir visited Juba today. During his visit, he met First Vice-President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Southern Sudan cabinet. He also addressed the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly. He also met state governors and other local officials.
President Al-Bashir said that protocol of Abyei is the basis to solve this issue, adding that the issue of Abyei is under discussion by the joint political committee of the ruling National Congress and Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM).
He said that South Sudan Government shall work to create additional financial resources, such as encouragement of foreign investments and establishment of infrastructures, for implementation of the development projects in the south.
He referred to vast potentialities in south Sudan, which qualifies it to fill the gap in food security for the east African countries.
The Sudanese president stressed the importance of coordination, integration and the exchange of experiences between the federal and south Sudan governments. He suggested establishment of a joint Council of Ministers of the federal and south Sudan governments in the coming stage.
Al-Bashir described the recent incidents in Jabal-Awlia and Erkawit in Khartoum and Juba as isolated and individual.
He called for the continuity of cooperation between the National Congress and the SPLM in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
(ST)