Sudanese president pledges to resolve post-referendum issues before July 9th

January 3, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir on Tuesday vowed to resolve all outstanding issues relating to post-referendum issues before the end of the interim period on July 9th.

Bashir made the promise during his one-day visit to Juba described by many observers in Sudan as a “farewell visit” a few days before the independence vote is due to start on Sunday.

At a press conference alongside with South Sudan leader Salva Kiir he said that both sides agreed to continue dialogue on pending items such as border demarcation and Abyei.

“We resolved to carry on discussions so that we are done with these issues before the end of the interim period on July 9th,” Bashir said.

“The demarcation of the border will be completed before July 9, but that does not mean building a separation wall. It means a delimitation that allows the movement of citizens from both sides,” according to the laws in force, Bashir said.

Citizenship, wealth sharing, international agreements and national are among the thorny post-referendum issues that have yet to be ironed out. Analysts have warned that the persistent deadlock on resolving them runs the risk of reigniting conflict and preventing smooth secession of the South.

The North and South have yet to find common ground on the oil district of Abyei which had supposed to be holding a vote on its own at the same time that has been delayed by disagreements over who should be eligible to vote.

All attempts to reach a compromise including one through the U.S. have failed so far. Today the Sudanese leader emphasized that Abyei protocol is the authority in determining who is eligible to vote saying that it includes the Dinka Ngok and other residents in reference to the Arab Misseriya tribe.

Nonetheless, Bashir told Southerners today said that he will be the first to recognize an independent South Sudan, should the latter opt for separation.

“The preferred choice for us is unity but in the end we will respect the choice of the southern citizens,” Bashir said in a speech to southern officials in Juba.

“One would be sad that Sudan has split but also pleased because we witnessed peace” he added.

Bashir’s assurance is likely to water-down widespread speculation of anticipated violence during the vote. The plebiscite is a key part of Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ushered in relative peace after over two decades of the country’s civil war.

Bashir said he remains committed to lasting peace with the semi-autonomous region, adding that the north will give it all the support it needs for development.

“Even after the southern state is born we are ready in the Khartoum government to offer any technical or logistical support and training or advice — we are ready to help” the Sudanese leader said.

“The benefit we get from unity, we can also get it from two separate states” he underscored.

He also warned skeptics against disorganizing preparations for the long-awaited vote, saying those involved will face the harsh side of the country’s laws, if implicated. He said that he will join Southern celebrations should independence be the outcome of the referendum.

At his arrival Bashir was greeted by around 500 of southerners who gathered near the airport to campaign for their independence. As he drove away they chanted “no to unity” and waved signs that read “respect our decision” and “Bye-Bye Khartoum”.

One woman, a Juba resident who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, told Reuters, “next time he comes we can arrest him.”

Bashir is the only sitting head of state to be wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of masterminding war crimes and genocide in a separate conflict in Darfur.

Before his departure back to Sudan’s capital Khartoum, Bashir also held talks with members from the various political parties in Southern Sudan as well key civil society representatives.

It is expected that Kiir would pay a visit to the North in return though it is not clear when it will take place.

ASSURANCE

The Secretary General of the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Pagan hailed Bashir’s visit saying it has “assured” the ex-rebel group.

“This historic visit during which killed speculations regarding the possibility of retreating on the implementation of the agreement. Now we feel reassured in south Sudan. The future became clear and assuring to the sustainability of peace and the establishment of good relations, even if South chose to secede” Amum told the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper.

He said that Bashir “came to give a clear message to the southerners that he is committed to holding the referendum on time, and that while he wishes for unity but would respect the choice the South, even if it is separation, which is certain in his opinion, and that he would work for a successful state in the south”.

DARFUR REBELS ORDERED OUT

The South Sudan leader in a sign of reciprocation announced that he is expelling all Darfur rebels present on the territory of the semi-autonomous region.

“No opposition in the north shall take Juba as a base,” Kiir was quoted as saying.

Sudan official news agency (SUNA) quoted Bashir’s VP Ali Osman Taha as saying that the North would likewise not host Southern opposition.

Yesterday Bashir criticized the South for offering refuge to Darfur rebels engaged in fighting with the central government since 2003.

While addressing celebrations of a drill staged by Sudan Air Forces in Al-Aruus area in Port Sudan on Monday, Al-Bashir reminded south Sudan government that Darfur region was still part of Sudan and its rebels were considered “outlaws.”

South Sudan is currently housing Minni Arcua Minnawi, who is the only Darfur rebel leader to sign a peace accord with the Sudanese government in Abuja in 2006. But Minnawi later effectively defected from the government and accused Khartoum of stalling the peace agreement.

(ST)