Al Bashir: S. Sudan Exploits AU Roadmap to Deepen Differences with Sudan

Addis Ababa – President of the Republic, Field Marshal Omer Hassan Al Bashir, has affirmed Sudan's trust in the efforts being exerted by the AU High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) headed by Thabo Mbeki to reach a peaceful and permanent settlement to the contentious issues between Sudan and South Sudan, adding that these efforts confirm the ability and right of the African Continent to tackle its conflicts.

Addressing yesterday the summit meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in Addis Ababa, President Al Bashir declared Sudan rejection of designs to undermine efforts and credibility of African institutions which are working to promote and strengthening Africa's independence.

"You must have followed the unfortunate incidents this year when South Sudan occupied the Sudanese territory of Heglig and the destruction of infrastructure including oil facilities " he said, adding the inclusion of Heglig and other territories in the official map of South Sudan is a source of profound concern over continued tension, aggression and threat to use force.

The President said it is unfortunate that the Government of South Sudan is now exploiting the AU roadmap and the UNSC resolution 2045 to deepen differences a matter which brings about additional challenges for the AU and the international community to defuse tension between the two countries.

"At our end, we possess decades-old documents and evidences proving Sudan's ownership of territories" he said and called on the AU to live up to its responsibilities on neutral and logical basis, adding that the UN and international partners should also share the responsibility.

Al Bashir affirmed Sudan's commitment to cessation of hostilities and the AU roadmap and the UNSC resolution as well as commitment to negotiate in good will.

The President called for AUPSC's continued assistance to African countries until stability and peaceful co-existence is realized among all African countries.

He stressed the importance of full implementation of the provisions of the AU roadmap and the UNSC resolution 2045 which called for the immediate halt of supporting and harbouring of armed movements so that security and stability along the joint border between Sudan and South Sudan is not impacted.

The President said the conclusion of an expeditious agreement to delineate the buffer zone is indispensable to promote border security and serve as basis for new ties between the two countries particularly economic and social relations.

The international legitimacy in its legal, political and moral aspects entail adherence to the map whereby Sudan attained its independence on 1/1/1956, he said, adding that it was the same map on the basis of which administrative borders between northern states and southern states of Sudan were drawn and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) including elections and referendum were conducted. It is also the same map on the basis of which UNMIS is deployed in Sudan; UNMISS in South Sudan and UNAMID in Darfur, he added. "If this map was okay for all these missions, benchmarks and tasks why it is disowned today" the President wondered.

Al Bashir also reiterated Sudan's acceptance of the tripartite initiative of the AU, Arab League and the UN to address the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States to facilitate delivery of aid to the affected people in those areas but underscored the need for full respect and commitment to Sudan's sovereignty over its territories, its right to protect its territorial unity and enforce its laws as per Geneva's four agreements and protocols.

The President pointed out attempt to preempt talks by submitting proposals is an indication of lack of trust in the negotiation process and it contradicts with the principle of negotiating in good will.

"We had implemented the CPA with determination and in good faith and today we have the same determination and seriousness to overcome challenges to good neighborliness and stable joint borders" the President said.