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Sudan Tribune

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South Sudan welcomes Obama push for conduct of referendum

December 20, 2010 (JUBA) — Leading members of the regional government of south Sudan on Monday welcomed call by United States of America president Barrack Hussein Obama on regional leaders to support peaceful and timely conduct of a referendum on self determination for the people of south Sudan.

Speaking to the Sudan Tribune in Juba, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, minister of information and broadcasting services in the government of South Sudan said initiatives being made by US government is the only way possible to bring peace to Sudan.

“We in the government of south Sudan welcome this position because we believe that timely conduct of referendum is the best choice and alternative to avoid a return to war between the two regions,” said Marial.

“America was of one the key active players during the on and off negotiations and was one of the international actors who kept pressure on the two parties, a pressure which played an important role in the signing of this peace deal and so has the responsibility to ensure the same peace they supported is implemented,” stressed the minister.

Under the 2005 peace deal dubbed as Comprehensive Peace Agreement, South Sudan would hold an internationally monitored referendum on self-determination to decide whether to remain part of united Sudan or choose to become one of the newest nations on the African continent.

With less than three weeks left for eligible southern voters to go to the poll, president Obama tries to mobilize Sudan’s neighboring countries to put more pressure on Khartoum to ensure the vote takes place on time and to respect the outcome of the referendum.

“President Obama has made it clear that Sudan is one of the administration’s top priorities; we have a vision of hope, peace and prosperity for the people of Sudan,” said White House National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer, on Sunday.

The official spokesperson also confirmed that president Obama had written letters to a number of leaders and heads of state in the region about the referendum and the situation in Darfur.

The letters sent out sent to leaders of Libya, Egypt, Chad, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria and Rwanda, as well as to the African Union were of part of an ongoing diplomatic push to emphasize the importance that Washington places on a peaceful Sudan.

Some senior government officials in the south accused President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir and his ruling National Congress Party of plotting to disrupt the vote to keep control of oil fields in the south.

(ST)

2 Comments

  • Kolnyang youth
    Kolnyang youth

    South Sudan welcomes Obama push for conduct of referendum
    Obama message is welcome and administration should be concern about right of people of South Sudan since they are ready to vote for separation which is the only solution Sudan .

    Bor town the beginning of liberation struggle

    Reply
  • hard liner
    hard liner

    South Sudan welcomes Obama push for conduct of referendum
    Dear collegues,
    i had been waiting for only one person to mention this but nobody really thought of that. Infact if we got to history and study about the origin of the luo people, it was said that they originated from the sudan along the nile river and if we relate that to today’s people, meaning presidant obama has his roots here in south sudan since his father barack husein obama senior is a jaluo from kenya. So guys obama has right to defend his origin and his brothers the south sudanese and its with this note that i want to clear fear out of your minds that obama is watching on us and we need to be courageous, fear will not only let us die in numbers but also make us lost our beloved south to the Jalabas, mind you they are now weak to fight, our own brothers used to fight for them but they have now pulled out and are waiting to revenge on the jalabas for misusing them. If you read the book isiah we are the most feared people on earth and our presence alot will scare the Jalabas away. I appreciate and welcome all your encouragement to our people down there thank you very much……..!!!!!!!

    Reply
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