Sudan Vision interviews Mansour Khalid

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000493

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SU
SUBJECT: Sudan Vision interviews Mansour Khalid



1. SUMMARY: Dr. Mansour Khalid, Presidential Advisor to
the Government of National Unity (GNU) and one of the
leaders of the SPLM in the North, recently gave a long
interview to Sudan Vision Daily, a pro-government English
language newspaper. The interview, printed in five
parts, covered a wide range of subjects, including the
difficulties of implementing the CPA, the SPLM's active
role in Darfur, the importance of not becoming hostile to
the UN, the continuing strength of the SPLM as a national
party, and the differing leadership styles of Salva Kiir
and John Garang. The full text of the interview can be
found on-line at www.sudanvisiondaily.com.


2. With regard to CPA implementation, Khalid emphasized
that the CPA is a long, complicated, and radical
document; therefore, difficulties in implementation are
to be expected. He said that those who complain about a
lack of action in the first year do not understand how
difficult it is to bring together two warring parties,
decentralize a government, and then set up a whole new
set of institutions and laws. Khalid also dismissed the
opposition parties who complain about the ratios of
representation in the GNU, pointing out that all the
people of Sudan hailed the CPA when it was first passed,
including the National Democratic Alliance (NDA),the
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP),and the Umma Party.


3. On Darfur, Khalid explained that the SPLM has taken
an active role based upon its historical ties with the
rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and their common
principles in defending the marginalized people of Sudan.
Now that the SPLM is part of the GNU, he cautioned, it
must remain engaged through the government channels,
which it is doing. As for international intervention,
Khalid believes that the African Union should be
reinforced to handle the problem, but said that the
growing hostility toward the UN is misdirected and
damaging for Sudan. He also dismissed calls against
international interference in Sudan, pointing out that a
large UN force is currently in Sudan at the invitation of
the government and is playing an important role in
ensuring peace.


4. When asked about the death of John Garang, Khalid
pointed out that the smooth transition was a
demonstration of the maturity of the SPLM. While the
difference in leadership style is partially attributable
to personalities, Khalid also believes the situations are
different. Wartime leadership requires strength and a
concern for security, while leading in peace is naturally
a more consultative process. Khalid refuted claims that
people close to Garang were marginalized by Kiir's
appointments to the GNU. In response to a direct
question, he explained that Nhial Deng stayed in the
south as a matter of personal choice, and that Pagan Amum
is carrying out the mission that Garang gave him, to
transform and lead the SPLM as a political party in
Southern Sudan. He also refuted the notion that the SPLM
has become more southern-focused under Kiir, pointing out
that the SPLM is active in the governments of every state
in Sudan.

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