Sudan’s Kiir appeals for preaching forgiveness

December 12,2009 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s First Vice President and South Sudan government President, Lt General Salva Kiir Mayardit, today appealed for preaching peace, forgiveness peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.

In his brief Christmas message addressed to all Christians and other dominations in the region, he asked them to use Christmas break as an opportunity for preaching forgiveness, love and reconciliation.

“This is an important period for reflections and to reconcile our differences;” he said explaining that Christmas holiday is a period that should be used for uniting the nation through prayers.

He therefore appealed to Sudanese people to spend time with their families as they celebrate the birth day of Jesus Christ and wished the nation a happy Christmas holiday.

“I would like to wish all Sudanese, especially the Christian faith, a happy Christmas. We should all celebrate and rejoice that Jesus Christ has been born,” he said.

He also appealed to citizens to avoid using the Christmas break as an opportunity to indulge in alcohol drinking, unruly behavior and other criminal activities.

The leader further advised motorists to exercise caution on the roads and avoid driving after taking alcohol in urban areas.

Christians in various parts of the country and world at large in different churches are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In South Sudan, a region, predominantly controlled by Christian majority just as northern Sudan with Islam, authorities have confirmed taking care of full security for celebrations throughout the holiday break.

(ST)