US urges restraint in wake of split between Sudan ruling partners

By: Wasil Ali

October 11, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — The US government called on the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the ruling National Congress Party in Sudan to exercise restraint in wake of a crisis that erupted between the two main partners in the national unity government.

The US State department said in a statement received by Sudan Tribune that all elements of the Comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) “must be rapidly implemented”.

Yesterday the SPLM decided to suspend their participation in the national unity government because of what they describe as the NCP’s failure to fully implement crucial elements of the CPA.

The US expressed worry that the slow implementation of the CPA may “cause the peace agreement to unravel”.

The statement noted that US special envoy to Sudan Andrew Natsios had made the CPA his primary focus during his recent 10 day visit to Khartoum.

Natsios said during his visit that he was deeply concerned with the health of the CPA and warned that clashes may erupt as a result between the two sides.

“We are constantly talking to our partners and friends of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on ways to rejuvenate the peace process. The success of the CPA will reflect positively on efforts to resolve the Darfur crisis. ” the statement added.

A State department official speaking to Sudan Tribune said that there are currently no plans to dispatch any US official to Sudan in light of the recent developments.

The 2005 peace agreement brokered by the US and other western countries ended two decades of civil war between the Arab and Muslim-dominated north and the mainly Christian and animist black southerners.

(ST)