Sudanese party leader to Echourok: US and Israel give false promises to the southerners in case of separation

Intensive preparations are underway in Sudan to organize the referendum slated for January 9; meanwhile diplomatic efforts to avoid a war between the north and south in case of cessation are deployed in addition to rounds of meetings between the leaders from both parts of the country.

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• The leader of the Sudanese Nation Party Sadek Al Mahdi has expressed his view about the issue in a wide –ranging interview to Echourok.
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• Echourok: As the referendum for self determination is nearing, what could be the implications of the outcome over the security and stability of the country?
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• Al Mahdi: There two probabilities; either the referendum is carried out democratically amid a healthy political atmosphere where controversial issues are settled peacefully leading to an outcome that makes a consensus at the national, regional and international levels and would bring about a united Sudan on brand new bases, or two separate states bound by twining ties according to the requirements agreed upon before the referendum. As to the second option; the referendum would be undemocratic and unfair casting doubt over the numerous controversial questions and would be set ablaze leading to circles of violence in the northern and southern parts of the country. In this case there should be a plan to deal with the conflicts between the north and south and agree upon requirements that go beyond the present peace agreement for a more balanced unity and think about a replacement plan in case of cessation.
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• Echourok: What would be the Arab and international role then?
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• Al Mahdi: America, Europe and other African countries can take part in the organization of a free and fair referendum and a reasonable treatment of the conflicts. I do believe that this is a unique and precious opportunity for the US to succeed in its international diplomacy, as to the Arab countries; they have to convince the Sudanese parties to settle their conflicts peacefully and avoid killing each others and focus rather on projects for development.

• Echourok: So what if the outcome of the referendum calls for a unity though all probabilities favour the option of separation?

   

  Al Mahdi:  This probability exists, in this case those who will decide are the policy makers not the citizens and the leaders in the south are aware that separation in this context will harm them not because of their controversial relationships with the north, but because of the conflict in the south itself; the victims of war in the south are much more important than those caused by the conflict between the north and south; this part of the country is undermined by numerous domestic conflicts that threaten its stability.

   

  Echourok: What do you think about the Egyptian stand over the issue?

   

  Al Mahdi:  Unfortunately, the Egyptian authorities’ view was irrelevant though they should have taken part in it, Egypt rules out the principle of self determination consequently it has drifted away from peace process.

   

  Echourok: What would be the implications on Darfur case in case of separation?

   

  Al Mahdi: Darfur crisis will worsen owing to the crisis in the south because  it has to do with the question of self determination; this will set ablaze a whole region and not only the southern and northern parts of Sudan .