Sudan brushes off US criticism on CPA implementation

December 24, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government today dismissed accusations by the US administration that the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) is undermining the implementation following the controversy surrounding the passing of the referendum law in the national assembly.

This week the NCP legislators modified a referendum whose format was agreed on in the Sudanese cabinet and the presidency. The bill removed an article stipulating that southerners who reside outside the region will have to register and vote only in South Sudan.

The former Southern rebel group MP’s walked during the voting but the majority enjoyed by the NCP in the parliament allowed for the passage of the bill. At stake are the detailed provisions for how to carry out the 2011 referendum for independence of South Sudan, a voting process that was guaranteed under the 2005 peace deal with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

The US said that they are concerned by “language added by the NCP that is different than that agreed to by NCP and SPLM leadership”.

“Reneging on the agreement negotiated on December 13th by the two parties undermines the peace process, jeopardizes CPA implementation, and risks sparking renewed political hostilities between the parties”.

But the Sudanese foreign ministry spokesperson Muawiya Osman Khalid described the US position as “shallow”.

“Putting out these accusations will only deepen differences between the two countries” Khalid was quoted by Sudan official news Agency (SUNA).

“The prior period showed that the two partners [NCP & SPLM] and political powers are able to resolve their disputes satisfactorily regardless of the difficulties of the issues. Internal dialogue without foreign intervention is the only way to resolve outstanding issues” he added.

The Sudanese official urged the US and international powers to maintain impartiality and encourage the parties to engage in dialogue.

The NCP reversed course on the referendum bill and agreed to send it back to the parliament and remove the amendment introduced as early as Monday.

(ST)