Arab League urges holding South Sudan referendum on time
August 24, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Arab League on Tuesday called on the two partners of the 2005 peace agreement to conduct the referendum on southern Sudan self-determination on time and without delay.
He further said the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) set a firm date for the referendum on 9 January 20011. He pointed out that Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) adheres to the determined date while the National Congress Party (NCP) seeks to complete the procedures and find solutions to outstanding issues before the date of the referendum.
Ambassador Salah Halima voiced that the Arab League hopes the ongoing efforts lead to hold the referenda in a timely manner and in an atmosphere of transparency and integrity in a way to enable southerner Sudanese to exercise their right.
Hamila also stressed that the Arab League is currently focusing on the settlement of outstanding issues and complete the procedures to hold referendum on time.
Regarding fears of possible independence of Southern Sudan, he said “The choice of attractive unity was the focus of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and there are intensive efforts by the Government of Sudan and the international community to achieve this option”.
However he stressed whether the result of the referendum is in favor of the unity or the separation, what is important for the Arab League at this stage that relations between the North and the South to be normal and to focus efforts on the southern Sudan development regardless of the outcome of the referendum.
Observers agree that southerners are prepared to vote in favor of the establishment of a new state in the South. They also speak about growing nationalistic sentiment in the semi-autonomous region. However they say the need for oil may lead both sides to agree on peaceful coexistence in the future.
Egypt’s foreign minister Ahmed Abul Gheit, stressed Tuesday on the need to conduct the referendum in southern Sudan as scheduled next January.
Abul-Gheit said that it is important for the two CPA partners to agree on a clear approach leading them to hold it with transparency, integrity and freedom. He underlined the need to agree on the steps forward after the referendum.
(ST)
Arochthon
Arab League urges holding South Sudan referendum on time
the issue of conducting referendum on time is a burning issue and it need to be addressed properly most of Arabs do give blind comment about it but time has come when all what was done in the dark will reveal . your comments or the words are not binding because they always go parallel with the interest of South Sudanese. when did you so become sympathetic with the situation in the south? don’t waste your time discussing it.
okucu pa lotinokwan
Arab League urges holding South Sudan referendum on time
Some of the countries under the Arab League should not forget what they did in the past especailly during the 21years civil war between the north and south Sudanese.
It took me by surprise when i saw over SSTV,Iran delegation arrived Juba for the first time in the history of the South and trying to make relationship with JUBA.
Any Arab countries can make relationship with JUBA but their old colour will not be forgotten.
OKUCU PA LOTINOKWAN