Rome, Italy, Jan 28, 2004 / 22:00 pm
One of the symbols of religious persecution in Sudan, Bishop Macram Max Gassis of Obeid, is calling on the international community to look after the self-determination of various regions of the country as the various factions of country are close to a peace agreement.
“The attention of the international community must continue to stay highly focused on Sudan, especially since a peace agreement appears imminent,” said Bishop Gassis in statements to Fides.
The bishop revealed he had sent a letter to Karl Rove, special council to US President George Bush, “to bring to the attention of the American government, which is pressuring for an agreement to be reached soon, to the unresolved question of the status of three regions, Nuba, Abiey, and southern Nilo Azul. It has not been decided yet whether these regions will be under the SPLA/M or under the government.
The SPLA/M is the People’s National Army of Liberation Movement of Sudan, which has been fighting the government of Jartum for decades to reestablish the self-determination of peoples of southern Sudan.