Khartoum: Sudan's unity not neighbors decision; government reshuffle
Sudan, Politics, 8/5/2002

Khartoum on Saturday stressed it understands regional fears concerning the peace agreement with the rebels, that will create a split in the country, but considered that a decision as such is for the Sudanese themselves and no body else.

Meantime, media reports said that the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir intends to make a nearby government reshuffle besides changing Walis ( governors ) of the northern provinces.

Following a visit to Egypt, during which he met with President Mubarak, the Sudanese minister of information and telecommunications Mahdi Ibrahim said he is confident that the provisional period specified in the peace agreement, which lasts for 6 years before carrying out a referendum for separation of the south from the north, will ensure enough time to convince the south to stay part of Sudan.

He said that the "people of Sudan have the right to take a self determination decision, taking into account understanding the interests of others." Ibrahim continued that the neighboring states have legitimate fears that can be affected by the Sudanese referendum. He explained this following a meeting in Cairo, that included southern refugees and members in the opposition, saying "if the result is unity, unity will be then reinforced in their country, and if it will be cessation, this will be adversely affecting their unity and stability." Ibrahim said that both Libya and Egypt want Sudan to be united, due to common Arab and Islamic ties. Besides Egypt is concerned that the foundation of a new state in southern Sudan will lead to "damaging Egyptian water interests." He added "we asked our brothers in Egypt to attend and take part in supporting the coming round of talks to be held on August 12. But he gave no further details.

Meantime, the Qatari daily al-Raya quoted Sudanese government sources as saying that the Sudanese President al-Bashir will be making a government reshuffle very soon and take decisions on exempting and appointing certain governors of northern provinces.

The paper quoted observers as saying that the coming changes in the government aim at including several political forces which recently rallied with the government including the newly split "Hizb al-Ummah" -- Mubarak al- Fadel faction, which concluded an agreement with the government in July to participate in the governing of the country.

According to those observers, the amendments aim at alienating members inside the government whose loyalty is doubted by the opposition " Hizb al-Mu'tamar al-Shaabi " ( the people's congress party) led by Hassan al-Turabi, and other split factions from the ruling party such as the southern Sudanese leader and transport minister Laam Akool.

Previous Stories:
  Sudan president to install new governors, ministers   (8/3/2002)
  Mubarak: we strongly stand with Sudan's unity   (8/2/2002)
  Khartoum denies attacks in southern Sudan   (8/1/2002)

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