The Envoy inquired if there was no midway between, secular state, one Sudan and a theocracy. Hon. Minister responded that Minister Mahdi told him that Sudanese Opposition Leaders cIamour for a secular state in the Sudan but once in power, they found the realities on the ground quite different. The Minister suggested that outsiders like the United Kingdom should persuade the Khartoum regime to see differently since Uganda is regarded as being one-sided.
The Envoy said that there was need for objective guarantees in whatever constitutional arrangements that may be reached. What was required was also for SPLA supporters like Uganda to encourage SPLA to co-operate.
Hon. James Wapakabulo responded that it was very important for Khartoum regime to accept that the issues at stake are religion, power sharing, resource sharing and cultural freedom. The Envoy concurred and said that both Mr. Jack Straw and Mrs Claire Short emphasised the importance of Uganda’s being in contact with the Sudan. He welcomed the emplacement of Army Liaison Officers of each other’s country at the common border. He requested Uganda to give Mr. Garang a sense of confidence to participate in peace negotiations.
Hon. Wapakabulo said that John Garang has organisational problems.
Moreover, Egypt must be told that if they didn’t want the Sudan to split, they must persuade Khartoum to compromise and co-operate.
The United Kingdom Envoy said that his Ministers got an impression from President Bashir for Uganda to play a bigger and more active role in the resolution of the Sudanese conflict. Hon. James Wapakabulo responded that Uganda would not like to be seen undermining President moi’s efforts in that respect, much as it may not abdicate its role.
Responded that Uganda would not like to be seen undermining President Moi’s efforts in that respect, much as it may not’ abdicat its role.
What were Hon. Wapakabulo’s impressions on Mr. Mahdi, the United Kingdom Envoy inquired? Hon. Wakapabulo said he thought he was a serious/genuine person to do business with. He then informed the United Kingdom Envoy that there would be IGAD Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Kampala 13th.- 15th June ,2002.
The Meeting ended on a friendly note.
Amb. Idule-Amoko
Head/Europe Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thursday 2151 March 2002.
cc. 3rd DPM/MF A
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