Sudan SPLM calls for extending national assembly session
December 22, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) urged the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to agree to allow for an exceptional extension of the legislative session before it officially goes into recess end of this month.
Yasir Arman, deputy SPLM Secretary General told reporters today that the action is necessary in order to adopt a number of laws including the National Security Law, Press Law, Land Commission and Human Rights Commission.
Arman said that SPLM chairman Salva Kiir told 2nd Vice President Ali Osman Taha during their meeting in Juba their firm position on the extension given the lack of time before recess.
The speaker of the National Assembly Ibrahim Al-Tahir said that the session will adjourn as scheduled but will be on call should the need arise to pass new laws.
The NCP and the SPLM have been seeking to break the deadlock on the new laws before the national assembly adjourns with no success.
SPLM officials that they could agree on the Press and Publications Act which gives the Press Council powers of control and accountability on the press, provided that the Council be elected by journalists and publishers.
Furthermore the Southern ex-rebels want changes in the National Security Law to incorporate the appointment of the National Security Service Director, appointment of his deputies, and the power to arrest.
Adoption of the new laws is considered an important milestone in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between North and South in 2005.
The CPA provides for referendum on self-determination in 2011 by the people of Southern Sudan to vote for unity of the country or secession.
(ST)