Sudan ruling NCP says SPLM boycott threat an ‘escape’
October 13, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese ruling National Congress Party (NCP) lashed back at the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) accusing it of “deflecting its responsibility”.
Yesterday the SPLM threatened to boycott the National Assembly sessions in a week’s time if no agreement is reached with the NCP on a number of laws including and national security laws.
The NCP bloc in the Sudanese parliament said in a statement that the SPLM ultimatum is a contradictory one because any boycott will effectively impede deliberations on these laws.
They further called on SPLM to reverse its threat of boycotting the parliament.
The NCP’s political bureau officer Mandoor Al-Mahdi stressed that a joint political committee between the two sides is deliberating on these laws to reach an agreement.
Differences have persisted over the referendum law particularly on the quorum of the required voters for separation from 75% to 90; while Juba pleads for the simple majority of 50+1.
There are also disputed post-referendum issues including discussions on what to do with the liabilities, assets, water, Joint Integrated Units (JIU’s), oil, international agreements in case the South would vote for separation.
On the security law the NCP asserts that Sudan National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) should have more powers, such as arrest and confiscation, than simply gathering information; something the SPLM says is contrary to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
(ST)