President al-Bashir receives delegation of pro-govt militia from southern Sudan

KHARTOUM, Aug 19, 2004 (SUNA) — President of the Republic and General Commander of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir, Thursday received a document of support from a delegation of the Command of South Sudan Defense Forces, headed by Maj. Gen. Paolino Matip, affirming their support to the efforts of the government to achieve peace, stability and development in the south.

This came when President Al-Bashir received Maj. Gen. Matip and the members of his command in the presence of the Chief of Staff, Gen. Abbass Araby.

President Al-Bashir commended the role being played by South Sudan Defense Forces in boosting the efforts of national unity, peace and development in the south.

Meanwhile, the official spokesman of South Sudan Defense Forces, Maj. Gen. Gabiral Tang Chann, affirmed in a statement to SUNA keenness of his forces in supporting the efforts of peace and stability in Sudan.

He explained that they congratulated Field Marshal Al-Bashir and Gen. Abbass Araby on promotion, saying that it was a historic event.