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Momodou
Denmark
11803 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Feb 2006 : 12:15:19
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PARTIES SIGN MOU
The Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) and the National Convention Party, (NCP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding, thereby paving the way for civility in politics. Yankuba Touray, the APRC National Mobiliser signed on behalf of the APRC, Halifa Sallah signed on behalf of NADD and Sheriff Mustapha Dibba signed on behalf of NCP.
The Memorandum of Understanding is geared to facilitate a peaceful and stable political environment, underpinned by a transparent, plural and democratic political dispensation.
Signatories to the MOU have therefore committed themselves to a code of conduct alongside that of IEC, to guide their activities in general and their conduct in the lead up to the 2006 presidential elections in particular.
The code of conduct include compliance with the constitution and other laws, respect for the life of political parties to campaign freely and to disseminate their political ideas and principles without fear, respect for freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly and of peaceful demonstration provided permit is obtained; avoiding the use of inflammatory or defamatory language, desisting from threatening or inciting violence, not seeking in any way to influence or use other arms of government for political purposes, refraining from using civil servants and government resources for campaign purposes, etc. the MOU makes provision for an inter-party committee. See next issue for a full text of the MOU.
The Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired both the talks and the signing ceremony, in his remarks cautioned that violence begets violence and urged all parties to relentlessly follow the MOU. He also urged them to ensure that their supporters know what it contains. He emphasized that a distinction must be drawn between national interest and partisan interest and noted that national interest must supercede partisan interest.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony, President Jammeh stated that he has been a man of peace and will always be a man of peace. He then noted that the first ingredient of peace is mutual respect, including respect for divergent views. He emphasized that the country is bigger than any party adding that both the ruling party and the opposition have a role to play.
He cautioned that signing the MOU is one thing, but upholding it is another. He made a vow and promised that nothing will make him change that, and that he will not incite or instigate violence. He said to further demonstrate his goodwill; the state would drop charges against members of the opposition. "I have nothing personal against them," he added.
In his remarks, Halifa Sallah noted that this day is a memorable day, noting that the two presidents have made history. He pointed out that the MOU is not about the opposition, but about the Gambia people that they serve. He noted that politicians must develop a climate of respectability in pursuing their objectives. He emphasized that the contents of the MOU must be written in our minds and conscience, noting that there must be goodwill. He said he sees the MOU as a means of solving problems between parties amicably.
He thanked President Obasanjo for his initiative and effort and assured him they will not make him ashamed for not abiding by the dictates of their conscience and the national interest.
The IEC Chairman, in his remarks said that he was thrilled and excited by what he saw. He noted that the Gambia is a peaceful county, pointing out to the peaceful interaction between the ruling party and the opposition during the talks.
The APRC delegation included Vice President, Isatou Njie-Saidy, Secretary of State for Agriculture and APRC Mobiliser, Yankuba Touray, Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay, Tombong Jatta and Adama Cham. The NADD delegation included NADD Chairperson, Assan Musa Camara, NADD Coordinator, Halifa Salah, Ousainou Darboe, Hamat Bah, Omar Jallow, Waa Juwara and Sam Sarr. The IEC Chairman, Mr. Ndondi Njie and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, were also present during the talks. President Jammeh later joined the talks, which went on smoothly.
Source: FOROYAA Newspaper Burning Issue
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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