June 6, 2010 (Khartoum) — Sudanese President Omar Bashir on Saturday warned of an "explosive" situation between north and south Sudan if the south chooses to break away in a referendum next year.
"Parts of the border could be explosive… like in the case of Ethiopia and Eritrea, or even India and Pakistan," Bashir said during a meeting of his ruling National Congress Party.
Bashir was sworn in to a new five-year term on May 27 after winning in April’s election – a vote which was a key part of a 2005 peace agreement with the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.
The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement ended two decades of war in Sudan by offering southern Sudan a measure of autonomy until the future of the country is determined in a referendum set for January 2011.
"We have no other choice but to work with the SPLM for the sake of the country’s unity," Bashir said.
At his swearing in ceremony in May the Sudanese president said he was committed to holding the referendum on time.
"It is a commitment we will not renege on. We made a vow and we will adhere to it," he said.
"We will accept, in good faith, the choice of the south, whatever the choice may be," he said, but stressed he would work for unity.
Over the past few months several deadly clashes took place along the border between north and south Sudan.
Source: AFP