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. HUME