The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Sudan awaiting result of proposed referendum'

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Monday, Nov 29, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Sudan awaiting result of proposed referendum'

Special Correspondent

- Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

FIRMING UP TIES:Chairman of Indo-Arab League Syed Vicaruddin, Advisor to President of Sudan Ahmed-Abd-Al-Rahaman and Rajya Sabha MP

HYDERABAD: Advisor to President of Sudan Ahmed Abd-Al-Rahman Mohamed on Sunday said his country was awaiting the outcome of referendum proposed on January 9 being conducted as part of the peace deal to end the two-decade long civil war.

“The referendum will decide whether the people of the southern part of the country want to be united,” he said.

Mr. Rahman Mohamed, also the secretary-general of the Council for International People's Friendship, said time had come to speak up and stand firmly against the “heavy hand” of imperialist forces that were resorting to abuse of power. “They crave for power and power corrupts. Enough is enough,” he said participating in a meeting convened by the Indo-Arab League to express solidarity with the people of Republic of Sudan.

He said the “big powers”, not the developing countries, were posing threat to the world.

“The US tried to have a hand in political and other decisions in our country and we did not tolerate,” he said adding, “time has come to liberate ourselves from the remnants of past and expand south-south cooperation besides cooperation between the Asian countries in particular.” Recalling the ties Sudan had with India which had its largest investments in his country, he, however, said India confining itself to the economic ties was not acceptable. India should extend its ties into another important area -- cultural relations -- and this could be possible through interaction between universities, civil society groups and other groups facilitating exchange of ideas. “Let us join hands together for a better and secure world,” he said.

Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran Mahmoud Safari appreciated the Sudanese struggle against the colonial rule and protection of sovereignty. Congress Working Committee member K. Keshav Rao, senior CPI leader Azeez Pasha and Indo-Arab League chairman Syed Vicaruddin were among others who spoke.

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