Kadugli, Feb. 27 (SUNA) - Vice-President of the Republic Ali Osman Mohamed Taha has affirmed the importance of exerting sincere national efforts for making unity attractive and realizing the aspirations of the Sudanese people for rehabilitation, development and prosperityAddressing the first deliberatory conference of the border states in Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan State, Saturday, Taha said the bonds that bring the Sudanese people together are much greater than that which separate them
He called for boosting the capabilities for unity to boost peace, stability, development and progress, pointing to the importance of tackling the issues that face the Sudanese people in case of separation
Taha called on the conferees to engage in a national dialogue to come out with resolutions that would boost stability and development
The opening session of the conference was also addressed by Vice-President of the Government of Southern Sudan Dr. Riek Machar, who stressed the importance of holding the conference at a time the country witnesses important national events such as the elections, the referendum and the popular consultation for the three areas
Dr. Machar pointed out that the conference is a boost to the efforts of peace and stability not only at the area but also all over the Sudan
He urged the conferees to focus on the programmes and projects that link the 10 states to realize coexistence between the tribes of the area
Wali (Governor) of South Kordofan State Ahmed Haroun, on his part, said his state, that has the longest border with the south, looks forward that the conference would map out basis for positive relations between the tribes of the area
He stressed that South Kordofan will continue to be a bridge of contacts between the north and the south
The conference was also addressed by the Minister of Finance and National Economy Dr. Awad Al-Jaz, Minister of Interior Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid and Minister of National Defence Gen. Abdul-Rahim Mohamed Hussein. The two-day conference is held under the slogan of " peace, co-existence and development." BT/BT