Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07KHARTOUM218
2007-02-14 03:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Khartoum
Cable title:
Presidency Appoints Chair of Commission on Rights of
how-toVZCZCXRO6719 RR RUEHROV DE RUEHKH #0218 0450356 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 140356Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6110 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RHMFISS/CJTF HOA
UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000218
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/RSA, DRL, AND DRL/IRF
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KDEM SCUL KIRF SU
SUBJECT: Presidency Appoints Chair of Commission on Rights of
Non-Muslims in National Capital
Ref: 06 Khartoum 00774
UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000218
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/RSA, DRL, AND DRL/IRF
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KDEM SCUL KIRF SU
SUBJECT: Presidency Appoints Chair of Commission on Rights of
Non-Muslims in National Capital
Ref: 06 Khartoum 00774
1. (U) On February 8, President al-Bashir issued a presidential
decree, with the approval of First Vice President Salva Kiir,
appointing Joshua Dao as Chair of the Commission on the Rights of
Non-Muslims in the National Capital. The membership of the
Commission will be announced later by the Presidency.
2. (U) The Commission - called for by the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement and enshrined in the Interim National Constitution - was
appointed by the Presidency to ensure that the rights of non-Muslims
in Khartoum are protected, and not adversely affected by the
application of Sharia law in the capital. (Note: This recalls the
rancor over the Khartoum State constitution - see reftel - that
arose early in 2006 when the SPLM and NCP disagreed over the status
of Khartoum as a national capital or a northern state. End note.)
3. (SBU) Comment: Dao is a veteran politician from Southern Sudan,
and was formerly a member of a minority, pro-National Congress
Party, the Union of Sudan African Parties (USAP). His appointment,
and the anticipated operation of the Commission, marks an important
step in the implementation of the CPA and in further guaranteeing
religious freedom in Khartoum. This commission was a key
negotiating point for the SPLM during the lengthy North-South peace
talks; it addresses the need for cultural space for the millions of
transplanted Southerners living in the great Khartoum area.
HUME
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/RSA, DRL, AND DRL/IRF
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KDEM SCUL KIRF SU
SUBJECT: Presidency Appoints Chair of Commission on Rights of
Non-Muslims in National Capital
Ref: 06 Khartoum 00774
1. (U) On February 8, President al-Bashir issued a presidential
decree, with the approval of First Vice President Salva Kiir,
appointing Joshua Dao as Chair of the Commission on the Rights of
Non-Muslims in the National Capital. The membership of the
Commission will be announced later by the Presidency.
2. (U) The Commission - called for by the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement and enshrined in the Interim National Constitution - was
appointed by the Presidency to ensure that the rights of non-Muslims
in Khartoum are protected, and not adversely affected by the
application of Sharia law in the capital. (Note: This recalls the
rancor over the Khartoum State constitution - see reftel - that
arose early in 2006 when the SPLM and NCP disagreed over the status
of Khartoum as a national capital or a northern state. End note.)
3. (SBU) Comment: Dao is a veteran politician from Southern Sudan,
and was formerly a member of a minority, pro-National Congress
Party, the Union of Sudan African Parties (USAP). His appointment,
and the anticipated operation of the Commission, marks an important
step in the implementation of the CPA and in further guaranteeing
religious freedom in Khartoum. This commission was a key
negotiating point for the SPLM during the lengthy North-South peace
talks; it addresses the need for cultural space for the millions of
transplanted Southerners living in the great Khartoum area.
HUME