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From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Tue Aug 03 2010 - 07:18:05 EDT
SPLM Official Dismisses Warning over Vote for Independence
Peter Clottey 03 August 2010
A leading member of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) told VOA
his group will not be cowed into submission by Sudan's second Vice
President, Ali Osman Taha, who warned the possible independence of south
Sudan will create havoc and chaos.
SPLM spokesman Yien Matthew Chol said the time for dialogue aimed at Sudan's
unity has passed adding that residents in the semi-autonomous south have the
right to decide whether to remain part of the original Sudan or secede and
become independent.
"We believe that this statement discloses and shows the innermost agendum of
the National Congress Party withdrawing from the CPA (Comprehensive Peace
Agreement). And, we know the NCP might, in a way or another, create blocks
and barriers as southerners are getting to the climax and the end of the
agreement," he said.
Local media quoted Sudan's second Vice President Taha as saying that the
possible independence of the south will create havoc and chaos that has been
witnessed in countries with similar experiences.
Awad Al-Jaz, Industry Minister and a top official of the ruling NCP, is also
quoted as saying that the north-south separation "cannot be allowed under
any circumstances."
SPLM spokesman Chol described as unacceptable the statements from both Vice
President Taha and Industry minister Al-Jaz.
"These statements are a clear transgression (of) to the agreement and that
should not frighten the SPLM by any means because the NCP is renowned (for)
of breaking all the agreements it makes with the people. However, this time
this shall not be repeated," Chol said.
As part of the 2005 CPA, residents in the semi-autonomous south will decide
in a referendum scheduled for 9th January whether to be part of Sudan or
secede.
President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir's dominant National Congress Party (NCP)
recently launched a campaign geared towards encouraging residents in the
south to vote for the country's unity. But, recent polls show a majority of
residents in the south favor secession.
SPLM spokesman Chol said recent statements from senior officials of the
ruling NCP have been geared towards undermining the upcoming January
referendum.
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