Sudan’s SPLM attends closing of NCP convention
October 3, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The deputy secretary Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Yasir Arman congratulated the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) for holding its third convention this year.
Yesterday the NCP’s political bureau officer Mandoor Al-Mahdi said that they have received a letter from the office of Salva Kiir notifying them that they will not be able to participate in the closing session for logistical reasons related to catching flights on time to attend.
Addressing the convention Arman said that the country is facing serious challenges including democratic transformation, referendum and the Darfur crisis requiring “comprehensive review” from all political parties.
He stressed the desire of the SPLM to work together with the NCP to solve the Darfur crisis adding that he hopes for a rational dialogue to establish national unity.
Arman also said that linking North & South Sudan highways is one of the tasks for the government of national unity to enhance unity, peace and construction.
The attendance of the senior SPLM official may signal a move by the ex-Southern rebel group to defuse tensions that heightened with the NCP over the last few months.
Both parties have yet to approve a draft bill of the referendum and national security law.
Furthermore, the SPLM hosted a conference for major opposition parties last week in Juba which was considered by the NCP, which boycotted it, as an alliance to oust the government.
(ST)