Sudan President Al-Bashir Reiterates Aim of Peaceful Coexistence With South

Sudan President Omar Hassan al-Bashir visited the south of Sudan in a last minute plea for national unity ahead of the referendum on January 9, 2011 on the future of the region. Bashir says he will respect the outcome of the vote., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Bashir reiterates Sudan’s keenness for peaceful coexistence with the South

August 6, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir reaffirmed Sudan’s keenness for peaceful coexistence with the nascent state in South Sudan stressing that the historical ties between the two states would consolidate peace and stability between the two neighbours.

Peaking at the annual Ramadan Iftar dinner organized by the Sudanese Copt community in their premises in Omdurman, Bashir said the coexistence and cooperation between the two countries will serve the common interests of the people of the two countries.

He further called to support peace and development programs between the two countries in order to the bilateral boost ties.

South Sudan proclaimed its independence on 9 July as result of a peaceful referendum agreement between the two parties in January 2005. However the unresolved outstanding issues have made relations tense.

Relations between the Sudan and the South are marred by a number of differences over the demarcation of border, Abyei, oil fees and Sudan’s debit. Also, Since last June the clashes between the SPLA- South Kordofan and the Sudanese army complicated situation.

The two sides have already traded accusations of supporting rebel groups in South Sudan and Darfur region.

Today Sudan said it has released some 600,000 barrels of South’s oil blocked in Port Sudan because Juba refused to pay customs duties requested by Khartoum as the parties are still talking on the issue in Addis Ababa. . Bashir said that the level of peaceful coexistence with Sudanese Copts , is to present a model to those who are trying to tarnish the image of the Sudanese people.

He further revealed he had discussed the matter with the Egyptian political parties during his recent visit to Cairo and invited them to visit Sudan to see the coexistence enjoyed by the Coptic community in Sudan.

(ST)