Khartoum — Arab leaders from neighboring Egypt and Libya reiterated yesterday their support to a peaceful conduct of independence referendum in Southern Sudan.
The one-day visit marks regional concerns about growing tension between the two partners of 2005 peace deal as the South Sudan referendum is scheduled to take place within two weeks.
The ruling National Congress Party and the South Sudan’s governing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement have failed to agree on a second referendum in the disputed region of Abyei amid reports of troop buildup there. They also disagree on the demarcation of north-south border besides a number of post referendum issues.
The shared revenue of oil is seen by many analysts as crucial factor to prevent an armed conflict between the two sides but the emotional statements by Abyei local actors could easily ignite war between the two parties.
“The summit confirmed the importance of exerting all efforts to enhance mutual trust between the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), to facilitate mutual dialogue between them and enable them to agree on controversial issues, including paving the way for holding the referendum in a healthy atmosphere,” said Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egyptian foreign minister.
Aboul Gheit further stressed that the meeting discussed regional and international efforts aiming to narrow the gaps between the CPA parties. “It also expressed its full support to these efforts and the importance of its continuity and hoped to reach an agreement on the outstanding issues”.
Ali Karti, Sudan’s foreign minister went to confirm the absence of any new initiative with regard to the peace process. He said that the leaders accept the African Union mediation led by former South African president Thabo Mbeki.
“The summit did not intend to make new proposals at this stage so as not to disperse the ongoing efforts,” Karti further said.
Besides Sudanese president Omer Al-Bashir and his first deputy Salva Kiir Mayadrit the meeting also was attended by the Mauritian president Mohamed Ould Abdel-Aziz who is visiting Sudan nowadays.
Minister Karti was keen to underline that Ghadafi and Mubarak did not raise the message sent by the American president.
The message carried by the two leaders regarding the issue of peace in Sudan is different from those carried by the West because we share the same religion, language and culture, Karti pointed out.