The president of the Republic said Monday that Southerners have the right to choose unity or separation in the upcoming referendum on self-determination and that the consultation will take place in January 2011.
AL-BASHIR SAYS SOUTHERNERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE UNITY OR SEPARATION
Omar Hassan al-Bashir made this statement Monday during the political rally he held at Juba Stadium to present his candidacy for the presidency of the republic in the April elections.
During his 17-minute speech, Mr, al-Bashir said since independence rulers have imposed unity by force and it failed, resulting in war.
He added that the Southerners have to choose unity or separation through the referendum.
However, Mr. al-Bashir noted that a united Sudan is a stronger Sudan and unity favours development.
The NCP candidate to the top post of the nation added that unity is not imposed but chosen.
Mr. al-Bashir said southerners have their own leaders who have total responsibility for running of the government in the region.
He added that the role of the Government of National Unity is to assist GoSS in order to deliver services and development to the South.
Mr. al Bashir said that Northerners and Southerners are brothers and sisters and they keep on beings so whether in unity or in separation.