This week the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) announced that they had concluded negotiations on the new act on the referendum to be held in 2011.
- It is now important that the parties to the conflict in Sudan do their utmost to resolve the remaining problems and ensure implementation of all parts of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, says Solheim.
Important Elections
Norway presumes that the elections for president, governors and members of legislative assemblies in April 2010 will be conducted in a free and fair manner in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
- It should go without saying that all people in Sudan must have the right to express their views without risking detention in connection with peaceful demonstrations, said Solheim.
Further negotations
The two parties have now reached agreement on the referendum, the future of the oil-rich border region of Abyei and the future status of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states. However, the border between Northern and Southern Sudan has not yet been clearly determined either.
- Norway is willing to assist the parties, particularly in the negotiations on the oil sector. This is something both parties are interested in, said Mr Solheim.
Solheim will visit Sudan in January together with State Secretary Ingrid Fiskaa.