 Omar al-Bashir, the President of the Republic of Sudan, addresses a gathering of the Southern Sudan Council of Ministers in the southern Sudanese capital of Juba on Tuesday. AP photo |
On a rare visit to Juba on Tuesday, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir told southerners he would celebrate the result of Sunday's referendum on southern independence, "even if you choose secession."
"I personally will be sad if Sudan splits. But at the same time I will be happy if we have peace in Sudan between the two sides," Bashir said in a speech to senior southern officials broadcast live on state television. "I am going to celebrate your decision, even if your decision is secession."
He had earlier been greeted by southern leader Salva Kiir on his arrival at Juba airport, where he was given a red carpet welcome by senior southern politicians, religious leaders and a guard of honor from the combined armed forces of north and south Sudan.
Around 500 people gathered outside the airport, shouting slogans for separation such as "no to unity," and waving southern flags, but the atmosphere was festive. In his speech, Bashir said unity was the best choice for the southerners, but he also insisted he wanted good relations with the south if it chooses independence, and repeated his message that the links between north and south Sudan were unique. "Anything you need in terms of technical, logistical or professional support from Khartoum, you will find us ready to give it," he said. "The benefit we get from unity, we can also get it from two separate states."
A heavy security presence was deployed in Juba, where armed soldiers were seen patrolling the streets. "We will give him a warm welcome," said southern information minister Barnaba Marial said ahead of Bashir's arrival.
"His recent conciliatory statements have pleased a lot of people. We have asked our public to be courteous, welcoming and kind, because there is no competition here," Marial told reporters in Juba.
"I personally will be sad if Sudan splits. But at the same time I will be happy if we have peace in Sudan between the two sides," Bashir said in a speech to senior southern officials broadcast live on state television. "I am going to celebrate your decision, even if your decision is secession."
He had earlier been greeted by southern leader Salva Kiir on his arrival at Juba airport, where he was given a red carpet welcome by senior southern politicians, religious leaders and a guard of honor from the combined armed forces of north and south Sudan.
Around 500 people gathered outside the airport, shouting slogans for separation such as "no to unity," and waving southern flags, but the atmosphere was festive. In his speech, Bashir said unity was the best choice for the southerners, but he also insisted he wanted good relations with the south if it chooses independence, and repeated his message that the links between north and south Sudan were unique. "Anything you need in terms of technical, logistical or professional support from Khartoum, you will find us ready to give it," he said. "The benefit we get from unity, we can also get it from two separate states."
A heavy security presence was deployed in Juba, where armed soldiers were seen patrolling the streets. "We will give him a warm welcome," said southern information minister Barnaba Marial said ahead of Bashir's arrival.
"His recent conciliatory statements have pleased a lot of people. We have asked our public to be courteous, welcoming and kind, because there is no competition here," Marial told reporters in Juba.
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