EU to deploy 110 observers to monitor South Sudan referendum
December 20, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union has announced it will deploy 110-strong team of observers to assess South Sudan independence vote which is set to take place in January 2011.
Most observers expect southerners to vote overwhelmingly for secession.
The head of the EU Elections Observation Mission (EOM), Veronique de Keyser, on Monday announced in a press conference held at Burj Al-Fatih Hotel in Khartoum said that the 110 team comprised members from 27 European countries as well as others Switzerland, Norway and Canada.
De Keyser, who is also member of the EU Parliament, further revealed that the team’s line-up consists of 10 senior-experts and 32 permanent observers and 60 short-term observers who would arrive with the beginning of the referendum. She explained that there were already a team of 16 observers and 3 experts following the process since last November.
The head of the mission said that the team’s final report would be released as soon as the referendum process is over.
The EU Mission which monitored last April’s general elections in Sudan had concluded that the elections failed to meet international standards.
Meanwhile, more than 72 foreign journalists will be granted visas to enter Sudan to cover the referendum process. The daily newspaper Al-Ahram Al-Yawm quoted insiders from the ministry of foreign affairs as disclosing that the ministry had approved entry visas for as many as 72 journalists representing new agencies and radios from France, the US, Egypt, Bulgaria and Canada.
According to the paper’s sources, some news agencies plan to dispatch up to seven reporters to cover the referendum.
(ST)
Anyang
EU to deploy 110 observers to monitor South Sudan referendum
Terrific job EU. That’s ultimately what we need to finished the job.
Makuach Akot Ngongdit
EU to deploy 110 observers to monitor South Sudan referendum
though NCP will not be comfortable with this strong observers from UK, I on behave of all SPLM party members around Sudan, Africa and the whole globe have welcome these observers from UK.
Therefore my appeal to these observers, welcome but remeber that you really fullfill your call. leave no rightfull one behind, Here in Sudan, we buy people to do our needs though in human. so if such individuals are amongst you and attempt to do this, the likelihood of following our martyrs is 100%.
Take care then before care takes you.