Khartum,(insidesomalia.org)- Aljazeera’s Rayan held the interview with Sudanese president Omar Hassan Albashir.

The president of Sudan Omar Hassan Albashir has called for the world to put off from the awful situations in Somalia and Darfur region.

Speaking to the Arabic television Aljazeera he declared that Darfur and Somalia have special pain for the world saying “Somalia is the worst”

Asked about his view on the deadly clashes between Ethiopian backed transitional government and the Islamic fighters in Somalia he declared that the importance in to maintain the security of the war ravaged horn of Africa nation.

“Somalis have to think about their country, the solution is in negotiation” Bashir said in the interview.

The second part of the interview was focused on Darfur.

Rayan:Sudan has been facing continuous crises since independence in spite of its large human resources. Has the Sudanese mind or intellect failed to find solutions to this country's problems? [Al-Bashir] We welcome you and we are happy that you are here with us. As you said, Sudan, praised be God, has huge human and material resources. Yes, Sudan has continued to face crises throughout the past period since independence and up till now. In fact, we cannot say the Sudanese will or Sudanese forces have failed. It is clear that the size of plotting against Sudan is huge as proven by the fact that the war began in southern Sudan before independence was declared and before the country won full sovereignty. We thank the various Sudanese leaders for standing up against this plotting and aggression. It suffices that Sudan is still holding out in spite of all this plotting.[Rayyan] You said the Justice and Equality Movement [JEM], which attacked Omdurman last month, is outside the political equation and there will be no negotiations with it. Do you not think that this armed movement will not obstruct peace even if you reach it with others?

[Al-Bashir] We knew this movement and its leader’s right from the beginning because they were part of us. We know that their aim, which is having power in Khartoum. The issue is not one of Darfur. They exploited the issue of Darfur for other purposes. Their aim was starkly clear during the rounds of negotiations that were held. Their aim was not reaching peace. This movement does not want peace in Darfur or Sudan. Its only aim is reaching power and changing the regime in Khartoum.

[Al-Bashir] As I told you, Sudan is targeted. I think the issue of Darfur was given all this attention to cover the daily killing, starving, razing of land, and terrorism taking place in Gaza and Palestine. On this occasion, we greet the Palestinian people and their steadfastness. The Palestinian people's steadfastness means the defeat of all hostile plans. Also reports say 2 million people were killed in Iraq for no reason. Why was Iraq invaded, occupied, and destroyed? There are now 5 million evacuees and refugees outside Iraq. In spite of all this, they talk about Darfur and spread baseless figures and facts about it. All that is said about Darfur is incomparable with the situation in Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, or Congo. They use Darfur as a cover to conceal the crimes and scandals taking place in other places.

[Al-Bashir] We knew this movement and its leaders right from the beginning because they were part of us. We know that their aim, which is having power in Khartoum. The issue is not one of Darfur. They exploited the issue of Darfur for other purposes. Their aim was starkly clear during the rounds of negotiations that were held. Their aim was not reaching peace. This movement does not want peace in Darfur or Sudan. Its only aim is reaching power and changing the regime in Khartoum.

How to resolve Darfur crisis

[Rayyan] You persistently announced your intention to solve this crisis. What is your plan to solve the Darfur crisis? [Al-Bashir] We, of course, have called for a peaceful solution right from the beginning. We could have imposed security and stability on Darfur by force. We did impose it before the start of negotiations. We insist on reaching a peaceful solution that recognizes all people and leads to stability in the country. Stability is our aim. We can say that we have largely succeeded in bringing many people to peace and in achieving a large percentage of peace in Darfur.

Our peace program calls first for negotiations with the movements which want to reach peace through negotiations. This is supported by the United Nations, the AU, and some countries in the region.

Our second aim is, of course, achieving peace in Darfur because, in addition to the armed movements, there are armed looting gangs and highwaymen. These benefited from the loose security situation in Darfur. These should be treated differently by the security and police forces in order to impose security and stability.

Another aim is returning the evacuees and securing the areas to which they return. The evacuees' camps are some of the biggest manifestations of the Darfur crisis. We have made a very large stride in this regard. Our program to return the evacuees is proceeding well. Therefore, there is a political axis for negotiations and a military one for imposing security, pursuing the outlaws and those rejecting peace, and returning the evacuees.

We also have a development program through the Darfur Reconstruction Fund because the situation should be secured through development as the latter leads to stability. The last axis seeks tribal reconciliation to mend the social fabric which was affected by the security measures.

Negotiations with Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement

[Rayyan] Since we are talking about reconciliation, let us go back to the issue of the JEM. Are you ready to forgive the JEM for the sake of peace and what is in the interest of Sudan?[Al-Bashir] We believe that peace and the interest of Sudan dictate punishing the one who makes a mistake. The crime committed was not a petty one. Many innocent people lost their lives and property was destroyed. Other citizens were terrorized and crimes were committed. The one who commits a crime cannot go unpunished through reconciliation. A crime was committed here and peace, security, and stability would be served best by punishing the real culprit.

Obstacles facing UN Mission in Darfur

[Rayyan] Let us move on to the UNAMID [UN-AU Mission in Darfur] peacekeeping force. It is said that there are obstacles to the deployment of the UNAMID force. There is an exchange of accusations. The United Nations is accused of being unable to finance this force while you are accused of obstructing the deployment of this force. What is the truth? [Al-Bashir] The truth is that we have accepted Resolution 1769, which talks about the deployment of the UNAMID force. This resolution determines the size and nature of this force. It says this force is African in nature. In addition to the infantry forces present in Darfur, eight more battalions are needed.

The United Nations asked member states to contribute to these forces before 31 August. Up to that date, 16 battalions were offered by Africa although only eight were required. During our consultations with the United Nations, we called for forming join committees to look into the readiness of these battalions and the extent of their fulfilment of UN demands. We were surprised that the United Nations decided to bring in a battalion from Thailand although Thailand did not contribute within the specific deadline. Also we were not consulted as a Sudanese Government.

The third point is that the resolution spoke about a force of African nature. Agreement was reached with the former UN secretary general, who proposed the initiative and plan, to give priority to Africa. When Africa fails to provide forces, consultations will be held among the United Nations, the AU, and Sudanese Government to decide the side which can provide the missing number of troops from outside Africa. They, however, chose a Thai battalion before looking for African forces and before consulting with us.

The process has been obstructed because of the Thai battalion although there were 16 African battalions ready to go to Darfur. We accepted these forces and the Americans offered to transport them. In spite of our attitude toward the United States, we agreed to the US Air Force's transportation of these forces. These forces include battalions from Ethiopia. Ethiopia is ready to send its forces to Darfur by land. These battalions were inspected by a joint team and were found to fully comply with the UN demands. More than six Asian battalions are ready to go to Darfur. There are also three Egyptian battalions. These were inspected. The conclusion was that these battalions were much more than required by the United Nations. Why do we not then begin with Egypt and Ethiopia instead of going directly to Thailand, Nepal, and the Scandinavian countries?

We say the obstruction comes from the United Nations because we are ready to receive any forces from Africa if these are ready. If Africa fails to provide forces, we will be willing to look for forces from outside Africa.

Tension between Sudan and Chad

[Rayyan] Let us now move on to the western borders of your vast country. Tension with your neighbour Chad is so tense that the rebel movements in both countries are described as fighting a proxy war. How long will this situation continue?[Al-Bashir] It will continue until Chad abides by the agreements we have earlier signed. The Chadian Government should stop its support for the rebel movements in Darfur.

[Rayyan] Is this all?

[Al-Bashir] Yes.

North, South relationship

[Rayyan] Let us now move from Darfur to the south -- although the distance between them is huge -- to ask about Naivasha. You reached agreement there on unity called "unity attractive" about four years ago but there are differences between the two partners in power. What is the future of unity in this country now that almost three years remain for the referendum on unity?[Al-Bashir] Our efforts concentrate on maintaining the unity of the country. War continued for 20 years and you know that war has its circumstances and it leads to injustice and bitterness. We hoped that in six years we would overcome all this bitterness and the southern citizen would be convinced that he has obtained his rights in full as a citizen in Sudan and stop thinking of separation.

[Rayyan] But this has still not happened. Some cite the Sudanese parties as saying there is still lack of confidence between the two partners sharing power. They say the gap is so big that the two partners are accusing each other of having no desire for unity while others are accusing the two partners of trying to exclude the other parties. Are efforts being made to unite specifically the political ranks in Sudan in order to maintain the unity of the country as a whole?

[Al-Bashir] When protocols were signed in Naivasha and even before they were signed, we embarked on partnership talks with the brothers in the Movement [Sudan People's Liberation Movement, SPLM]. It became clear that in six years the main partners in government would be the National Congress Party and the [Sudan] People's [Liberation] Movement. These represent 80 per cent of the legislative and executive branches of power.

Our brothers in the Movement did not interact with us. We did not feel there was enthusiasm or a positive response to partnership and to the principles on which this political partnership was established between the Congress and Movement before the agreement was signed.

After signing the agreement, a period of six months preceded the transitional period. That period was designed to establish many things before the start of the transitional period. It was supposed to begin during the first week after signing the agreement. We continued to wait for our brothers in the People's Movement to send their delegations to Khartoum to begin establishing the joint forces, the constitutional committee, and many commissions that were supposed to be established during the first six months. Many appeals were made to late Dr John Garang, who said he needed money because people were scattered in Australia, the United States, and Canada. We paid them 60 million US dollars from the share allocated for the south to bring these cadres back but they did not come.

After the oath taking ceremony, an accident happened to John Garang [he died in a plane crash in 2005] and this caused a further delay in forming the government and relevant bodies. We can thus say we lost more than eight or nine months before we started real work to implement the agreement.

The agreement gave full powers to the southern government, in which the People's Movement had a 70 per cent representation. We also noted that our efforts for coordination between the national unity government in Khartoum and the southern government were not received with approval or enthusiasm by our brothers in the southern government. Therefore, we always call for coordination among the ministries and want the ministers to go to the south.

We can say that the establishment of the main federal institutions in the south like the customs, tax, and other departments as stipulated in the agreement is still obstructed. Actually, we excuse our brothers in the Movement because they were an armed movement that had no experience in political work or in executive and government work. We offered and continue to offer to help them change form a military movement to a political movement. We feel we are more qualified to help them make this transition from being a military movement in the jungle ruling in accordance with the law of an armed movement to a movement that assumes state responsibilities because real power in the south is in the hands of the Movement's forces. The executive tool is the Movement's military intelligence. This is certainly far from being a state institution.

Our brothers in the south have still not given the southern citizen what he was looking forward to after peace although they took their full share of wealth. By this wealth they were supposed to provide services, develop the south, and prepare the areas to which evacuees and refugees would return because they needed services and development projects. There is a delay in building effective state institutions and in carrying out their duty to provide services to the people of the south. These things have still not been accomplished. Therefore, this situation might isolate the southern citizens, who continue to feel they have not benefited much from peace other than seeing war stop. War stopped and security prevailed and this is a large accomplishment but a person cannot live only on security.

Abyei roadmap

[Rayyan] Some viewed your recent agreement with the People's Movement on Abyei as some sort of postponement of the crisis or return to square one by seeking international arbitration. The question posed is whether this agreement will have one last scenario that closes this file for good.[Al-Bashir] We hope so. This was one of the proposed solutions after we had rejected the experts' report. These experts exceeded the limit of the authorization given to them. Therefore, there should be a solution through direct negotiations between us and our brothers in the Movement. We could not reach a final solution acceptable to both sides. We found that a large gap separated the two sides. We have to reach a solution. International arbitration is a way out and we have to agree to it. International arbitration can be done by arbitration quarters and even the International Court of Justice if we fail to agree on any other arbitration institution.

Future of Sudan's unity

[Rayyan] Is there any Arab hope that unity between the north and south will continue?

[Al-Bashir] The current Arab efforts are greatly appreciated. We asked our brothers in the Arab countries to be present in the south through development projects and even through social and charitable work. Their presence in the South is really important. The second point is financing linkage projects. We have projects designed to link the north with the south and these are important projects. These are road, railroads, and river transportation projects. Our Arab brothers have certainly taken part in these projects. Now we have a river transportation company. The main partner in this company is Arab. We want the Arabs to finance the peace road that links the south with the north and the railroads. Arab funds will certainly have a role to play in this regard.

[Rayyan] Many have fears about the unity of Sudan. Are you really optimistic about the continuation of Sudan's unity after 2011 when a referendum is held?

[Al-Bashir] My personal conviction is that most southern citizens are for unity. This is proven by the fact that even during the war the percentage of southerners who supported the government and even carried arms and fought side by side with the government troops was very large. One of the problems which faced us after the conclusion of peace was the problem of militias or armed factions which fought with the Armed Forces against the People's Movement. Statistics showed that about 40,000 fought with government troops. Therefore, 40,000 of the southerners in southern tribal and other organizations and factions fought for unity and against the People's Movement. There is, therefore, a base there in support of unity.

The government of the south received funds and foreign financing and there were promises that upon signing the agreement the sanctions and blockade imposed on the Sudanese Government would be lifted and the door would be opened for international finance institutions, but our brothers in the Movement did not contribute to lifting the sanctions imposed on the government. Actually, they were one of the reasons for imposing these sanctions. Their allies and the elements supporting them were the ones who imposed these sanctions. The government wants to find financiers for large projects in the south.

The failure of our brothers in the south to provide services and develop the south will certainly have a negative impact, but there is still much hope that after surmounting the obstacle of Abyei we will be able to surmount other obstacles, God willing. We hope that in the remaining time we will be able to promote our relations so that we will get closer to one another and be more united, build confidence, and spread the culture of peace, God willing.

National Reconciliation efforts

[Rayyan] Allow me to move on to the subject of internal Sudanese accord. It is said that national reconciliation efforts have still not succeeded in uniting the Sudanese. Therefore, all sorts of dangers are threatening Sudan. Do you not think that making concessions in favour of the country should be given priority over all other considerations?[Al-Bashir] Certainly, I follow up political work in Sudan and I do not think political accord has ever been the way it is now.

[Rayyan] How?

[Al-Bashir] First of all, the political forces in government are greatly appreciated. We have complete accord and agreement even with the political forces outside government, the latest of which was the Ummah Party. The ones remaining outside this framework -- with all due respect for them -- consist of small parties whose presence in the Sudanese political street is not that big. All main political forces are either participating in the government or acting in agreement and constant consultation with the government. Therefore, this level of accord is unprecedented throughout the period of political work.

[Rayyan] It is true, Mr President, that there was some sort of national accord, especially with the Ummah Party, but after solving the problem with this party, your intellectual relationship or harmony with the Popular Congress Party, led by Dr Hasan al-Turabi, continued to face problems as all know. You were under one cloak in the past, so why do you not shorten the distance between you and them now?

[Al-Bashir] We have sought to avoid any split right from the beginning. Before this split, a committee in charge of healing the rift met and drew up a plan to solve the crisis between us and brother Hasan al-Turabi. The plan was presented to the Shura Council of the National Congress Party when it was united. A very important paragraph in it said no political party should split from the National Congress Party. It said the one who wanted to split could do so personally. That was the decision of the National Congress Shura Council. When the Shura Council was summoned to look into the differences I had with Hasan, the Popular Congress Party, led by Dr Hasan al-Turabi, turned down the invitation although it came as a result of mediation by some Islamist leaders.

[Rayyan, interrupting] Excuse me, Mr President, but some say you are trying to meet with those who carried arms against you. These are the comrades in arms.

[Al-Bashir] Yes, I am going to talk about this. The Shura Council was asked to meet upon the request of a mediation committee from Islamist leaders from outside Sudan. When this mediation failed to bring us together or reach a solution, they asked us to call the Shura Council into session and all would then abide by the council's decision. We immediately said we would abide by its decision. When invitations were issued to attend the council meetings, brother Hasan al-Turabi called for a Shura Council meeting in his home on the same day the Shura Council was scheduled to meet. About 100 members of the Shura Council went to Al-Turabi's home while the majority, about 360, attended the session as invited. These were the ones who adopted the decisions. Several attempts were then made by both wings of the Islamic movement. These were the most serious and determined attempts, but they always collided with the intransigent position of brother Hasan al-Turabi.

[Rayyan] On what subject in particular?

[Al-Bashir] He rejected even the mere idea of meeting. There are no clauses or terms over which he differs with us. He simply rejects the idea of meeting.

[Rayyan] Why do you think he does this?

[Al-Bashir] He thinks he was the leader who led this process until the state was established. He feels he was dismissed at a time when he was supposed to be presented as the state leader. His aim is toppling this government and replacing it by any other government. I can produce what confirms that he said this.

[Rayyan] It was reported that you summoned him when Omdurman was attacked by the JEM. Why?

[Al-Bashir] We know the JEM's people. We were all one body. All JEM leaders are members of the Popular Congress. The JEM is the armed wing of the Popular Congress. We know the secret and military methods used by Hasan al-Turabi. We were all part of the secret and military work led by Hasan al-Turabi. Interrogation of members and elements apprehended in the attempt showed that a large number of the Popular Congress members even within Sudan took part in the attempt. Therefore, it was necessary to question him.

Economy

[Rayyan] Let us move to the issue of economy. Sudan has been exporting oil for about eight years now. We know that oil prices are on the rise. The price now is 120 dollars per barrel and may reach 150 or 200. Nobody knows, but it seems that the oil revenues, as is said, have not reflected on the daily life of the Sudanese citizen. Why?

[Al-Bashir] When you export one barrel, people may think you are on an equal footing with the countries that have been exporting millions of barrels for tens of years. To those who say the oil revenues have not reflected on the Sudanese street, I would like to say that the one who comes to Khartoum after a one-month absence will find that there is a change. Change is not in streets, that is, buildings and the general look, but in the people's living standards. True, not all people broke the circle of poverty because we are still a poor country.

The exported quantity of oil is less than 500,000 barrels a day. The companies producing oil take their share from oil. This is in addition to the cost of exploration, production, and transportation. All this cost is paid from the produced oil. The rest goes to the government and it is distributed in accordance with the distribution of wealth. This means two per cent goes to the state producing oil in the south and the rest is divided in half between the federal government and [the southern government]. If we look at the revenues of the entire national unity government, including the oil revenues, we will find that the total is around 11bn dollars. You cannot compare this with a country whose budget is 50 or 60bn US dollars. Nevertheless, we say the little achieved thus far has improved services, schools, hospitals, and streets.

[Rayyan] In addition to oil, you have another wealth. As we know, almost all countries are now suffering from food shortages, hunger, and price hikes. Sudan is described as a food basket for the world. Do you not think you can meet this shortage? This will be your chance to do so.

[Al-Bashir] One of our problems is that production, especially grain production, is very costly because artificial rather than natural irrigation is used. Artificial irrigation is based on the use of pumps that are operated by fuel or electricity. The irrigation cost is, therefore, very high. Consequently, the cost of production is high. Therefore, it was difficult for our crops to be competitive abroad. Now that prices have gone up, there is a large chance. Agricultural production requires large infrastructure and investments. We now say Sudan has a golden opportunity.

[Rayyan] Even under the sanctions?

[Al-Bashir] Yes, even under the sanctions. The sanctions prevented western finance institutions and companies from helping us, but alternatives do exist in the world, praised be God.

[Rayyan] Do you mean the Arab world?

[Al-Bashir] The Arab and Asian world and some European and African states. Egyptian investments, for example, have now exceeded the billion-dollar or $1.6-billion mark. Our aim or plan is attracting investors. There are huge sums of money and there are many investors who are now looking for opportunities. We tell anyone looking for an opportunity that there is an opportunity now in Sudan.

Foreign policy

[Rayyan] Mr President, we cannot conclude this interview without talking about your foreign policy. A UN Security Council team was with you in Khartoum last week. Did you reach a solution to your problems with it?

[Al-Bashir] We, of course, say there is no problem. We explained our position to them and showed them where negligence is. We clearly explained our position on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1769. We accepted that resolution and carried out all that pertains to us, but we will not accept any disregard of us. We are a country that exists and that has institutions. The Security Council and the United Nations have gotten used to dealing with weak or absented governments. There is a strong government in control of Sudan. This is one of their problems. The preamble of UN resolutions always talks about preserving the sovereignty, unity, and independence [of Sudan], but they later try to ignore these things. This is the problem we have with the Security Council. The second point is that at the end of my meeting with the Security Council team, I asked them [changes thought] this is the third time they visit Africa. We thank them for this effort and care for Africa but it is not Africa which is suffering from problems. Why do we not see a Security Council team in Gaza, Iraq, or Afghanistan where people are dying in the millions?

[Rayyan] Several resolutions were issued against Sudan. Do you not consider this a problem?

[Al-Bashir] As I told you, Sudan is targeted. I think the issue of Darfur was given all this attention to cover the daily killing, starving, razing of land, and terrorism taking place in Gaza and Palestine. On this occasion, we greet the Palestinian people and their steadfastness. The Palestinian people's steadfastness means the defeat of all hostile plans. Also reports say 2 million people were killed in Iraq for no reason. Why was Iraq invaded, occupied, and destroyed? There are now 5 million evacuees and refugees outside Iraq. In spite of all this, they talk about Darfur and spread baseless figures and facts about it. All that is said about Darfur is incomparable with the situation in Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, or Congo. They use Darfur as a cover to conceal the crimes and scandals taking place in other places.

Dialogue with USA

[Rayyan] You had dialogue with the US Administration here in Khartoum, but Washington then suspended talks and set conditions for dialogue with you. Could you tell us about these conditions?[Al-Bashir] There were no conditions during the last meeting. We have [word indistinct] holding dialogue. I met with the envoy and he was very optimistic. He highly praised the negotiating Sudanese team. Actually, we were surprised by the position, but one knows the background of struggle within the United States. This means one should not be surprised by this position [decision to suspend negotiations] because there is a very large and influential power there and this can influence any position. The United States is finally the side to decide the suspension of negotiations. The problem is not one of negotiations between us and the envoy, but a decision made by Washington.