Sudanese FM urges government partners to work for peace

Jan 5, 2006 (MALAKAL) — Sudanese Foreign Minister and leading member in the SPLM urged the government of national unity (GNU) partners to work together to realize peace and democracy in the country.

Addressing in a meeting in the capital of Upper Nile State on Friday 5 January, Foreign Minister Lam Akol said that Peace is for all and responsibility of all. He added that Cooperation of the National Congress Party, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and other parties involved in the government of the national unity is required for the sake of Sudan.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement has stipulated democracy, respect of other opinion, competition between political parties and citizenship regardless of ethnicity or religion, he added.

Lam Akol who was often accused of ignoring his political duties as leading member of the SPLM is visiting different towns in Upper Nile Sate. The Governor of the State, Dak Dob, described the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the state as boosted the spirit of brotherhood and unity among the people.

More than 86 people were killed and 285 wounded in Malakal clashes during one of the worst breaches to a 2005 peace agreement that ended 21 years of civil war between north and south Sudan. The fighting that erupted on Nov 28, 2006.

The situation is back to normal following the joint patrol by the Sudan people’s liberation army and the Sudan armed forces. Also, it was agreed to integrate the militia group loyal to Gabriel Tanginya into the Sudan armed forces as that is the only way to prevent future confrontation between the two groups.

Meanwhile, according to Sudan Radio Service, some of the militias have started escaping from the SAF headquarters due to fear of being integrated into the Sudanese army and taken to the north for deployment.

(ST)