Juba forces says Sudan’s unity requires new basis
May 31, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Juba alliance political forces agreed today that Sudan’s unity could only be maintained if the country is reshaped on new basis.
“The meeting reiterated that Sudan’s unity should be built on new basis, and through joint efforts and national consensus between the political forces,” said Yasir Arman who attended the meeting on Sunday evening.
In accordance with the 2005 peace agreement, the southern Sudanese have to decide whether they want to remain within the current Sudan or establish their own state.
The implementation of Islamic legislations in the capital and lack of development in southern Sudan are seen among the grievances that may encourage southerners to opt for the independence.
The deputy Secretary General of the SPLM, Yasir Arman said the meeting supported the organization of the referendum as scheduled and said opposed to any delay.
The opposition leaders and the SPLM further said the result of the referenda should be respected and implemented.
The opposition parties’ members of the political coalition also praised the successful elections of Salva Kiir as President of Southern Sudan Government. The meeting also agreed to meet soon in Juba to define a joint vision for the upcoming period.
Hassan Al-Turabi, leader of the popular Congress Party which is part of this political coalition, is in jail since two weeks after the publication of an article in the party’s newspaper saying that Iran built a weapon factory in Sudan.
The meeting agreed that Turabi detention is a clear violation of the constitution and Human Rights Charter.
Yasir said the First Vice President discussed the issue at the presidency and SPLM raised the issue during the bilateral meetings with the NCP.
(ST)