Al-Bashir, Al-Turabi fight over the name of the 'National Congress'
Sudan, Politics, 6/27/2000

Struggle between the two wings of the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and the secretary general of the ruling National Congress, the ruling party, Hassan al-Tirabi on the eve of convening the meeting of the congress Shoura council due today ( Monday).

This meeting is expected to perpetuate the " divorce " between the two sides. The conflict reached its peak in the fight over the name of the "National Congress."

One of al-Turabi's main aides Ali al-Haj handed a message to the chairman of the Shoura council Abdul rahim Ali stressing that al-Turabi's partisans will boycott the Shoura council, which was described by the message as "illegal." Al-Haj stressed al-Turabi's supporters to the name of the "National Congress" noting that they are " their real owners." But he said they have formed a new name for the organization in case the second party ( al-Bashir party ) will be persistent to keep the name of the "National Congress."

Al-haj said that he had informed the chairman of the Shoura council their objection to several topic on the meeting agenda which are in contradiction with the constitution of the National congress. These include choosing a designated secretary general instead of al-Turabi.

For his party the Sudanese President who called for convening of the meeting, pledged to accept all decisions released by the shoura meeting. He praised the clear vision of the Shoura council leadership and the faithfulness of its leaders. In a press statement, he said "the Shoura has been always a faithful guard to the unity of ranks, a term of reference in dealing with issues of destiny and a focal point for decision making and expressing views."

Meantime, chairman of the Shoura council of the ruling congress party Abdul rahim Ali said that the agenda of the meetings includes two proposals. The first of which was proposed by supporters for President al-Bashir called for approving decisions released by al-Bashir on May 6, this year and stated to freeze the authorities of al-Turabi, his aides and the party officials in the provinces and renewing al-Bashir 's nomination for a new presidency term of office.

The other side proposal submitted by al-Turabi supporters asks for lifting the state of national emergency ( claimed by the president in December 1999), ending the process of freezing al-Turabi and lifting the embargo on the role played by this party.

Previous Stories:
  Sudan resumes talks with US   (6/26/2000)
  Torabi to declare establishing a new party soon   (6/24/2000)
  All Sudanese jailed military men to be freed   (6/24/2000)

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