US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week: report
January, 2 2011 (KHARTOUM) – A high profile U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to arrive in Sudan next Saturday to assess preparations for the conduct of south Sudan vote on independence due to start the day after, a pro-government website reported on Sunday.
The plebiscite is the final stipulation of the 2005’s peace deal which the US administration of president Bush helped broker, ending nearly two decades of civil war between north and south Sudan.
With its citizens embittered by years of the civil wars and perceived neglect by successive dominant governments in the north, South Sudan is largely expected to vote for secession.
The Sudan Media Center (SMC) website, which is widely believed to be the mouthpiece of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), reported that the Clinton’s delegation would arrive in Sudan on January 8.
SMC said the delegation would also include the US’s former Secretary of State, Colin Powell and former US special envoy to Sudan John Danforth who served under president Bush.
According to SMC, the US special envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, would arrive accompanied by ambassador Lyman and Dane Smith, who are the envoy’s special advisers on South Sudan and Darfur respectively, to prepare for Clinton’s visit.
But Sudan’s foreign ministry declined to confirm the visit when reached by Sudan Tribune.
Visits by top US officials to countries like Sudan are seldom announced in advance as part of security measures.
In early December last year, US lawmakers urged president Obama to dispatch Clinton and other US officials to Sudan in order to underscore the importance his administration attaches to Sudan ahead of the referendum.
The US Administration has been recently engaged in frantic diplomatic efforts to ensure that the referendum is held peacefully and on time. President Obama sent letters to regional leaders urging them to support US efforts and press the Sudanese government to allow for a smooth vote.
(ST)
Timsah
US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week; report
Readers,
This is a right step taken by Obama Administration.It potrays how important holding a peaceful,transparent referandum in Sudan is to the world.It is also important because,the envoys will pressure the thugs regime regime to hold and honour outcome of the plebiscite.Even Bashir is expected to came to Juba tommorrow to say bye to us as this will mark his last visit to South as part of Sudan.
Timsah
Jalaby
US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week: report
Welcome US delegation, you are very welcome in Sudan (north).
Dear president Obama, you are a very brave president because you nominated an american ambassador in Syria despite you know the congress won’t agree in such step and despite it serves US interest, please do the same thing and lift all the sactions against Sudan (north) during the vacation of the congress so no one will resist you from congress as soon as the south get separated from north and jump high in the dark!
Thanks president Obama.
Jalaby (Abo Tagia)
mohammed ali
US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week: report
Such a very high profile visit to a country on the terrorist list !!!
Apparently it is to attend the referundum !
Obviously the have other agenda!
What interest do they have interest in Sudan?! I just wonder !!
Kolnyang youth
US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week: report
US Secretary ;
Is highly welcome to South Sudan .
JUBA
US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week: report
This is a welcome news from the US President Barack Obama. Let’s make the observers, NCP and the International feel ours voices by a 100% vote for an Independent South Sudan. Cheers
Thondet Manyang
US Secretary of State Clinton to visit Sudan next week: report
That is good news and chance of paving the ways to new nation of South Sudan. All signatories of CPA are welcome to witness the product of there efforts. Try to help other oppressed people. God will bless you peace makers.