Question 15
Dr G W Koornhof (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:
What is the government's position with regard to the preparations for the referendum in Sudan on 9 January 2011?
Reply:
We are reasonably satisfied that preparations for the referendum are progressing well.
As the Honourable member is aware, Sudan was mired in conflict over many years. Through mediation efforts mainly from the African Union, the main political parties signed a historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on 9 January 2005.
In terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the National Congress Party and Southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement agreed to work together to address the causes of conflict in different parts of the country. Indeed the two parties have formed a government of national unity to govern Sudan as a whole whilst the SPLM governs Southern Sudan.
Part of the CPA is that a referendum be held to give the people of Southern Sudan an opportunity to decide whether or not Southern Sudan should secede.
I thank you.
Source: SAPA
