In an interview with the London based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat the state minister for foreign affairs Ali Karti who is also the NCP’s foreign affairs official said that SPLM’s pick of Arman is a mere expression of gratitude by the ex-Southern rebel group towards the Northern figure.
“This is just an attempt [by SPLM] to show appreciation to his [Arman] big efforts that he undertook particularly the accusations and abuse and in our assessment it is a reward to what he does. Definitely he would not be an alternative to Kiir [SPLM] chairman” Karti said.
“We hope that he is burned [politically] and is out of the way” he added.
The NCP official said that his party’s decision not to challenge Salva Kiir over South Sudan presidency is out of their belief that they should not “open a door of competition” in South Sudan and also denied that his party is secretly supporting Lam Akol who has defected from the SPLM to found his own party and maintains close links with the ruling party.
Following the decision by the NCP to endorse Kiir for South Sudan presidency, its officials said they want they want the SPLM to do the same and withdraw the candidacy of Arman as a return of favor.
However, the SPLM dismissed the request saying it is a sign of fear that Bashir, who faces an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), may not win in his reelection bid.
There is growing speculation in Khartoum that the SPLM may end up pulling Arman from the race and endorsing Bashir in order to ensure that the NCP would grant the South Sudanese a smooth path to referendum and secession particularly as many issues remain outstanding with regard to post-independence arrangements including national debt, border demarcation, water and international agreements.
Source:sudantribune.com/
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