Calls for calm in Sudan after the death of Garang

Leaders of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) discussed during their meeting in "New Site" city in southern Sudan the timing and place where their leader John Garang, the first vice President in Sudan, will be buried. Garang was killed in a helicopter crash in southern Sudan.

Officials in the movement said that Garang's body was at the headquarters of the movement, in particular in a house adjoining the hall where the leaders had met to prepare for the funeral of their late leader.

Meantime, Sulan Ding Masham, one of the chieftains of al-Dinka tribe to which Garang affiliates, called on the people of southern Sudan for calm and not to be taken by rumors. This was expressed following acts of violence that took place in the capital Khartoum and southern Sudanese cities that resulted in the death of many, after the announcement made to the death of Garang.

For her part, Rebeika, the widow of John Garang, said that "her husband who is dead, has a record to peace that is still alive." She called on the people of southern Sudan to "abide by calm and cling to the implementation of the peace agreement."