Sudanese president promises far-reaching political changes after peace treaty
By Sudanese TV
KHARTOUM, Dec 31, 2003 — Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir has called on MPs to prepare to approve the peace accord the government is expected to sign with the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and to popularize the accord in their constituencies.
In a speech to the nation delivered before parliament to mark the country’s independence anniversary and golden jubilee of the National Assembly, Bashir said the country was on the threshold of a “new bright era” and promised far-reaching political and constitutional changes.
The following is an excerpt of the 20-minute speech broadcast live by Sudanese TV on 31 December; all subheadings inserted editorially
[Religious preamble] Honourable brother MPs, honourable citizens in all parts of the country, distinguished guests, may the peace and blessing of God be upon you.
Sudan’s independence, achieved by the grace and compassion of God, was not bestowed to us by anyone as a favour. It was the fruit of the labour of this nation in its entirety – in all parts of the country. The south was not left behind. There was the revolution of the tribes. The west was not left behind either: there was the jihad led by Sultan Ali Dinar. [Passage omitted: more history of Sudan’s independence]
Sudanese peace process at “historic crossroads”
Here we are today at a historic crossroads, reaffirming our allegiance to the creators of independence and resolving our problems, as we did in the past, with unity of purpose in order to bring about harmony and peace. This is no longer a hope to be merely aspired for: it is a reality, which we are today happily living and which we hope, will bring good things, God willing.
Dear brothers and sisters, citizens of this noble country, Sudan was one of the first states of the Third World to achieve independence, but it was denied the fruit of independence by war, which was imposed on it before even it had hoisted its flag. Our people have lived under the deadly effects of war, which has continued to destroy the land and generations, squandering resources, eating the dry and the ripe and preventing our country from exploiting its visible and hidden resources. [Passage omitted: more of this]
The revolution realized from its first day that its project to rescue the nation will not be complete without the realization of peace. Therefore, peace was the first item on the agenda of the revolution. The first meeting was in Addis Ababa and it was aimed at putting out the fire of war and the efforts and attempts have not ended since then, and we hope God will help us achieve this great historic mission, which will leave its imprints.
Peace will be the beginning of a renewal to reap the fruits of independence and help our country to overcome the impotence, the deprivation, the wait for relief supplies, the suffering, and help us move towards the horizons of stability, progress, development, good use of resources, provision of services, capacity building, the spreading of the umbrella of security and tranquillity in our country and to our neighbours and in the region.
Peace also means the normalization of Sudan’s international relations and increase in the level of cooperation with those states of the world that have clout and influence. This will in turn open the doors of investment, inside and outside the country, and harness the country’s dormant resources, thus creating unlimited opportunities for employment and production and increasing the incomes of the state and individuals. [Passage omitted: more of this]
Peace process to undergo “great and deep” transformation
Honourable citizens, honourable MPs, the peace process is expected to undergo a great and deep transformation, in its conditions [as heard] and institutions and this will put our country on the threshold of a new bright future, based on new relations, confidence, mutual consent, joint work, so as to implement and complete the peace accord. This means national participation open to all, without any exclusion or superiority.
You have witnessed the dialogue which has been taking place in the national arena, in preparation for the post-peace stage. This dialogue will continue in order to widen understanding about the requirements of the coming period and its safeguards.
This National Assembly of yours has a great role to play in bringing about this. You will have a historic role in approving the peace accord and it is your national obligation to see its aims are achieved successfully. MPs will be required to play a greater role in national mobilization in their regions and in all parts of the country in order to help end the war completely and to help remove its psychological and material vestiges, speed up the method of production and development, sensitize the people of Sudan – wherever they are – into building a single united Sudan, in which every citizen will get his rights and carry out his responsibility. This is your great role – to give the good news of the peace accord, to explain its themes and the changes it will bring in its wake, and explain the economic and social dividends of the peace in all parts of the country.
Peace is not a bilateral issue and is not a north-south accord. It is a comprehensive plan whose effects will be felt in all parts of the country and whose benefits will go to every citizen, wherever he is. This is the great challenge and I am confident this noble assembly will rise up to this challenge in the most competent way so that this can prepare our country for a new era in its political and constitutional life.
Brothers and sisters, the new stage demands a firm conviction in the need to change that which is within our soul – a reform that should encompass every branch of our public life. The first of this is to reform our political institutions, since they are the vanguards in ushering in the coming stage. The foundations for consultations and democracy must be laid in the political and organizational organs, because they are the basic foundations for the political and constitutional edifice.
The national political arena is today witnessing positive changes, increasing openness and public freedoms. The internal front is more cohesive and ready to accept the coming peace stage.
Khartoum has witnessed an open and frank dialogue, as exemplified by the meetings held by the people’s movement [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement] delegation with the ruling party [National Congress] and all the political forces. These meetings have created a good atmosphere, extended bridges and open channels. This was preceded by the Jeddah Framework Accord and the voluntary return of brother leaders from the opposition to the homeland. [Passage omitted]
Foreign relations
Our country will in the next phase move with determination and energy to remove the vestiges of war in our international and regional relations and open greater horizons of cooperation between Sudan and with all nations of the world, especially the near neighbouring states. Sudan will also seek to promote African and Arab relations and also develop its relations with the EU, the Non- Aligned Movement.
President Bush’s “special interest” in Sudanese peace process
We will also seek to complete the normalization of Sudan’s relations with the USA. We thank the USA for its care about peace and direct patronage of the peace process. We, in particular, wish to specifically thank President George Bush, who has expressed a special interest in giving impetus to the peace talks and who promised to support the peace after the signing of the final accord [applause].
We also look forward to positive ties with Britain, Norway and Italy, which have helped to strengthen the peace talks and have taken the initiative to declare their support for our country in the coming phase.
We also would like to express our special thanks and appreciation for fraternal Kenya – its government and people [applause], for its care and direct supervision of the talks and for creating a conducive atmosphere to make it a success, on behalf of IGAD [Inter- Governmental Authority on Development]. [Passage omitted: Thanks Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia]
Iranian earthquake
Brothers and sisters, although we are happy today, we feel sadness and a great deal of sorrow for what has happened to our brothers in noble Iran. On the behalf of all of you, I wish to convey to the guide of the revolution and the president of the republic and to all the Muslim people of Iran and the families of the victims, our heartfelt condolences. I wish to affirm to them all that the people and government Sudan are with them, willing to share every morsel, every tablet, every cup of water [applause]. We ask God, the Most High, the Most Powerful to accept all the martyrs, and through them, raise the status of their country and give strength to Islam and Muslims. [Passage omitted: repetitive comments on peace, development]
Palestinians
We call on the international community to stand firmly behind the just demands of the Palestinian people and to work for the adoption of the proposed solutions in the road map and help establish a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. [Passage omitted: praise for Sudanese independence heroes, army]
BBC Monitoring Newsfile