From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Wed Sep 16 2009 - 09:44:22 EDT
Eritrean President expresses support to southern Sudan aspirations
Wednesday 16 September 2009 04:10. Printer-Friendly version Comments...
September 15 2009 (ASMARA) – Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki declared
yesterday his support to southern Sudan rights and aspirations
Sudan’s FVP Salva Kiir and the Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki (file
photo) Sudanese First Vice President and President of Southern Sudan
government paid a two day visit to Asmara where he had been arrived
yesterday for talks with President Afwerki. The two leaders agreed to
enhance bilateral relations between Eritrea and southern Sudan. Kiir
returned today to Juba.
Following their meeting on Monday the Eritrean President "asserted the
Eritrean government’s firm and enduring pledge towards ensuring the rights
and aspirations of the people of South Sudan," the official Shabait website
reported.
Kiir’s visit to Asmara, in response to an invitation extended by the
President Afwerki came months after unprecedented attack on the SPLM by the
Eritrean leader who had accused the southern Sudan ruling part of
corruption.
In his last May statements Afwerki also demanded the SPLM to declare a clear
view on the future of Sudan.
According to the Eritrean information ministry website, President Isaias
"pointed out that at the present delicate juncture in which the Sudan finds
itself, the SPLM under the leadership of Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected
to play a leading role."
During the past years, Asmara which had bad relations with Khartoum
supported the SPLM and the rest of the Sudanese opposition groups who had
their headquarters in the Eritrean capital.
"Eritrea is one of the close friends of the people of South Sudan" said
Salva Kiir who reaffirmed the SPLM’s willingness to boost relations with
Eritrea, particularly in exchanging views on developments in the Sudan and
enhancing mutual cooperation.
Kiir also discussed with Afwerki political developments in southern Sudan
and expressed SPLM’s stance on Sudanese issues including Darfur conflict.
Further SPLM delegation headed by deputy chairman, Malik Agar held a meeting
with an Eritrean delegation led Yemane Gebreab, head of Political Affairs at
the Eritrean ruling part PFDJ where they agreed to strengthen relations
between the PFDJ and the SPLM, as well as the ties between the two
governments.
The two parties also discussed the CPA implementation and the ongoing
discussion between the two peace partners over the border demarcation,
elections and referendum bill.
President Afwerki also accepted an invitation extended by GOSS President
Salva Kiir to visit southern Sudan.
(ST)
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