Sudanese president vows to negotiate with political forces

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir vowed Thursday to negotiate with different political parties to reach a consensus on the country's system of rule and formulate a new constitution. "The negotiation will continue with the political forces which agreed to participate in the coming government to reach a political accord that organizes exercise of good governance and becomes the base for the coming constitution," said al-Bashir when addressing the opening session of the general conference of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) here. Al-Bashir stressed that the priorities of the coming phase would be to impose security, defeat the rebellion, achieve security in all parts of the country, tackle the social and economic impacts of South Sudan's separation and lessen the burden of living for the citizens. The Sudanese president further said that the NCP did not fear that the waves of unrest in the Arab countries would move to Sudan, saying that those who are waiting for a revolution in Sudan would wait for long because the Sudanese people have lived and are living the National Salvation Revolution for two decades. He reiterated that his ruling party would work to end the conflict in Darfur, referring to the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, which was signed on July 14, saying that "a national dialogue has been conducted with the arms carriers in Darfur that resulted in the Doha agreement." Representatives of over 30 political parties from Africa, Asia and Europe are participating in the NCP's two-day conference. The conference is discussing a package of issues, including how to deal with the economic crisis that threatens Sudan, and the scarcity of economic resources after South Sudan's separation. The party is expected to make essential amendments in its political organization, including the restoration of the secretary general's post, which was cancelled after the fragmentation of the Islamic movement.