December 5, 2009 (JUBA) – Sudan First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit, said the right to self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan is not something anyone who is concerned about the future of this country should downplay.
The minister made his remarks while addressing symposium “Southern Sudan: Preparing for 2011 and Beyond” at Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly in Juba on December 5.
“This is because the 2011 referendum is a historical opportunity for the people of the southern Sudan to peacefully determine their political destiny in the country, he said.
The president who was addressing hundreds of government officials and invited diplomats argued for preparation for both scenarios of either independent state of Southern Sudan or vote for united Sudan.
“I know that the CPA has been a very bumpy ride since its signing in 2005, but the right of the people of Southern Sudan in 2011 to choose their political destiny must survive this bumpy ride,” he said.
“Should the road toward 2011 referendum be deliberately made impossible by any person, political party or group then it will be the responsibility of the peace loving people of the Sudan to make it possible. As stated by our late Chairman Dr. John Garang that in order to fully implement the CPA, we should make the cost of non-implementation of CPA more than the cost of its implementation,” he adds.
He said the 2011 referendum must be fully a free and fair process so that people not the politicians make their own judgment on either unity or separation.
This process must be totally free from any manipulation or intimidation; he said stressing that those campaigning for two options must fight to win hearts and minds of Sudanese people to accept the outcome in a humble manner, he said. Kiir in the past repeatedly said he would not interfere to influence the vote of southern Sudan people on issues of separation and unity but in fact he sent several signals showing his personal preference.
He continued to say that those who think can impose their own political views on the people of Southern Sudan during the referendum; should know it is in the interest of all political parties in the country to respect the free will of the people.
Slow talks on the referendum bill between the two peace partners could not reach an agreement before the end of the year, date to conclude the latest session of the transitional parliament before the elections.
The two signatories of the CPA propose different percentage on the voter turnout but do not yet reached an agreement over the issue. Also with regard to the national security law the parties diverge on the power to arrest, the National Congress Party (NCP) included it in the bill while the SPLM is strongly against.
Sudanese opposition forces and the SPLM prepare to stage a protest outside the National Assembly to demand the passage of democratic reforms and referendum bill. Last week, Pagan Amum the SPLM Secretary General accused the NCP of seeking return to war.
“We will work with all political parties in the country to push for the passage of laws that can facilitate the peaceful conduct of the referendum for the people of Southern Sudan in 2011,” he said assuring people that there will not be any form of intimidation or disruption of what has to be a truly valid representation of the will of the people.
Kiir said aware of efforts to frustrate the 2011 referendum by groups he described as various prophets of doom and gloom claiming that Southern Sudan would have been a failed state if was an independent country.
The independence of the landlocked southern Sudan is considered with frustration by different African and European countries because they do not encourage creation of new state in the unstable continent, also they continue to say that southern Sudan despite oil would remain politically fragile and economically unsustainable.
“Let me state it in no certain terms that the Government of Southern Sudan has come a long way since the signing of the CPA and we have been able not only to start building Southern Sudan from scratch but we have been able politically to contribute towards transforming and shape Sudan for better,” he assured.
“Morally and legally, I am personally bound to ensure that full implementation of the CPA including the exercise of the right of self-determination,” he said. If southerners vote for unity, “we will ensure that Southern Sudan continuous its development into strong and vibrant entity within the wider framework of a viable and democratic united Sudan.”
“Likewise, if the people vote to fulfill their right to self-determination and opt for secession, we will build on the foundation of the GOSS intuitions and become a state that is strong, viable, prosperous, democratic politically inclusive, accountable and able to live in peace with all its neighbors,” he said.
(ST)
حركة العدل و المساواة السودانية
موقع متخصص بنقل آخر الأخبار و البيانات و القرارات لحركة العدل و المساواة السودانية