SPLM welcomes cautiously NCP initiative to unify Sudan’s ranks

July 30, 2008 (JUBA) — The Sudan people’s Liberation Movement has cautiously welcomed the convening of a comprehensive conference aiming to achieve a national consensus among the Sudanese political forces on a common project for the country. The SPLM said it should not hinder the implementation of 2005 peace deal.

Abdel-Rahman Suar al-Dahab, head of the Committee for Unification of National Ranks held a meeting today with Sudanese First Vice-President and chairman of the SPLM, Salva Kiir and some members of the political Bureau.

Suar al-Dahad told reporters following the meeting that the Salva Kiir had welcomed the holding of comprehensive conference. He added the SPLM leader also raised some issues “and we will take it in consideration.”

Pagan Amum, the SPLM Secretary General said in press statements that his party welcomes the move to unify Sudanese political forces on a national programme, provided it would not lead to prejudice the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

“We welcomed the project of the conference but it should not obstruct the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, because what is needed now is the implementation of this deal,” stressed Pagan.

This Committee for Unification of National Ranks had been formed to implement an initiative launched by the president Omer al-Bashir at the convention of the National Congress Party in November 2007.

The initiative called for a consensus on a minimal program against what threatens the national security of the homeland and wealth and the interests of the country and split the social fabric Sudanese

Al-Bashir called to create a political climate to preserve the achieved peace agreements and expand opportunities for the solution of Darfur crisis and outstanding problems in the implementation of the CPA i.e. Abyei row.

Following the indictment of the Sudanese president by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor another initiative has been launched to resolve Darfur issue.

The Initiative of the People of Sudan aims to hold a general conference to end Darfur crisis. All the Sudanese political forces and the different components of Darfur including the non-signatories rebels are supposed to be invited to participate in it.

The preliminary committee of this recent initiative is headed by the Presidential Advisor Sadiq al-Hadi al-Mahadi.

(ST)