Email
Print
Save
January 16, 2011 (JUBA) — The President of Southern Sudan government Salva Kiir Mayadrit, called Sunday to forgive the north for the death of Southerners killed during the devastating war 1983-2005 where over two millions are killed.
- South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir prays during a Sunday service in Juba on January 16, 2011 (Getty)
The Southern Sudan is excepted to proclaim its independence officially next July after a successful referendum on self-determination from 9 to 15 January held among huge international presence.
"For our deceased brothers and sisters, particularly those who have fallen during the time of the struggle, may God bless them with eternal peace and, like Jesus Christ on the cross, forgive those who have forcibly caused their death," Kiir said.
Kiir made his call for pardon from Saint Theresa Roman Catholic cathedral in Juba where he hinted his support for the southern Sudan secession in the past.
The call also took place after a campaign for separation orchestrated by his ruling party, SPLM, where hatred towards the north occupied an important place. President Omer Al-Bashir during his short visit to Juba days before the vote had to cancel a public speech for security reasons.
The president of the semi-autonomous region had called several times in the past for peaceful coexistence between the north and the south and also pledged to protect northerners present in southern Sudan.
As the first indications show a large vote in favor of separation, the two 2005 peace deal parties have to negotiate many issues related to the future relations between the neighbors, such border demarcation, Sudan’s debt, but also a referendum to be held in Abyei region.
On the negotiating table there is a proposal to build strong economic ties between the two parties and to give Abyei a special status to prevent the reproduction of a border war similar to the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict.
The referendum’s preliminary results will be announced during the first week of February.
A UN panel monitoring the referendum urged Southern Sudanese to "be patient and be aware that only the results announced by the referendum authorities are official."
(ST)
Latest Comments & Analysis
Bold decision needs bold actions 2012-02-22 08:07:42 By Luka Biong Deng February 21, 2012 — I would like with the launching of the first issue of New Nation Newspaper to sincerely congratulate President Salva for his bold decision of closing down (...)
South Sudanese, please stop harassing aliens 2012-02-22 08:05:00 By Isaiah Abraham February 21, 2012 — After independence of South Sudan from the Republic of the Sudan six months ago, the people of the South (say some) have started to misbehave towards other (...)
South Sudan, don’t be scared by Bashir’s threats! 2012-02-20 11:55:32 By: Luk Kuth Dak “ our unity is our best defense against Sudan,” The author. February 19, 2012 — Most people with some knowledge about warfare would be the first to tell you that the republic of (...)
MORE