Sudan’s ruling NCP slams secession calls by Kiir

November 1, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese ruling National Congress Party (NCP) blasted plea made by South Sudan president Salva Kiir in which he urged Southerners to vote for independence in the 2011 referendum to avoid being treated like “second class citizens” in a unified Sudan.
The London based Al-Hayat newspaper reported that the Kiir’s statements sparked caused “concern” among Arab diplomats in Khartoum and Cairo.
The member of the NCP leadership council Mandoor Al-Mahdi said that GoSS remarks amounts to “backtracking on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)”.
Al-Mahdi said that Kiir’s statements “does not fit” someone who works in the Sudanese presidency.
He dismissed suggestions that southerners are treated like “second class citizens” stressing that they are Sudanese nationals “like any other Sudanese national and have the same rights and are treated with respect and honor”.
The NCP official reiterated the party’s position on working for unity expressing hope that Kiir “has not bent to pressure from pro-separation lobbyists within the SPLM”.
He also pointed fingers at the SPLM saying it has not been able to run the south giving examples of tribal violence and “collapse of developmental projects”.
In Cairo, the Sudanese presidential adviser Mustafa Ismail expressed doubt over the accuracy of statements attributed to Kiir saying that “it is necessary to look at the time and place and where it was made”.
Ismail noted that Kiir asserted the work for unity two weeks ago in a speech at the Blue Nile state.
The SPLM and NCP are at a downturn in their relationship after the SPLM members boycotted the parliament because of disagreements over draft laws.
SUNA also quoted the Secretary General of the National Umma Party Sideeg Ismail who expressed regret that Kiir “favored the choice of separation over unity”.
The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-Minnawi) spokesperson Zalnoon Suleiman Abdel-Rahman urged the SPLM leader to work for unity in line with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
In Paris the head of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur called on Kiir “to differentiate between the NCP and Sudanese people”.
“It is the policies of the NCP and foot dragging on implementing the CPA that is forcing the SPLM to move towards secession” Al-Nur said.
He disclosed that he will meet with Kiir to discuss the matter but gave no details. Al-Nur also called on other political powers to work together with him and talk on things that can be done “to preserve the unity of Sudan”.
The Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) issued a statement says it “understands and appreciates” the reasons behind Kiir’s remarks saying it is a result of the NCP’s “delaying tactics” regarding the CPA.
JEM reiterated its support to the people of South Sudan in their right for self determination but stressed that its choice lies with the unity of Sudan “on a new basis”.
The CPA stipulates that a referendum is to be held in 2011 by which Southern Sudanese will vote to decide on whether they want to have their own state or remain part of united Sudan.
(ST)