20110102
Sudan Tribune

Juba — Salva Kiir Mayardit, Sudan's First Vice President and president of Southern Sudan government on Friday, assured Abyei citizens of SPLM commitment to resolve the ongoing dispute on the future of the region.Tribune

Delivering a New Year message aired by South Sudan Television, Kiir said the citizens of Abyei should not think that they are forgotten because the referendum did not take place as scheduled.

"To the people of Abyei, particularly the Ngok Dinka, I take this opportunity to express my solidarity and to sincerely wish you a happy New Year 2011," said Kiir,

"The fact that your Referendum has not been scheduled as agreed does not mean that you are already forgotten." "I would like to convey to you my reassurances that a solution will be found on the problem of Abyei. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP) must put their minds together to find a final solution. I am optimistic that every hurdle will be overcome and the people of Abyei will be free," assured SPLM leader.

He called on Sudanese people and leaders to usher into the New Year 2011 with a renewed spirit of life full of hope for the future. "We implore God Almighty to endow each and every one of us with the spirit of forgiveness and tolerance as we enter into a new situation in our country," he said.

Kiir further announced that president Bashir will visit Juba on 4th January for official celebration of the New Year.

"I therefore urge Southern Sudanese of all walks of life and particularly the citizens of Juba to turn up in big numbers to give him a thunderous welcome when he arrives in the morning of January 4th, 2011," Kiir said.

Conveying his best wishes for New Year to individual family members, he described year 2011 as a special for the Sudanese people in general and Southern Sudanese in particular because of the upcoming referendum t on January 9th, 2011.

Kiir renewed his call for a peaceful campaigns and mobilization in order to attain a free, fair and transparent atmosphere during the polling, he said.

"It is in the interest of us all as Southern Sudanese to ensure that the outcome of the exercise, determined by the freewill of our people, is wholeheartedly favorably received by our brothers and sisters in Northern Sudan, the region and the international community," said South Sudan president.

He called on Southerners to join in wishing president Bashir, his family and the federal government of Sudan happy and prosperous New Year.

"Tonight, join me in wishing our President and his family, the government and people of the Republic of the Sudan good health, happy and prosperous New Year 2011."

"As I said earlier on in my Christmas message, President Bashir and the National Congress Party (NCP) will be forever remembered for having endured the burden of presiding over the affairs of this country during the difficult moments of our history."

"My brother President, this is indeed a historic credit to both the NCP and the SPLM and I truthfully commend your brave decision to sail the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) through amidst all obstacles," he said.