The Government of Southern Sudan iscoming under intense criticism after boycotting parliament one day afterWashington unveileda new Sudan strategy.
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) claims themove is aimed at putting pressure on Khartoum's National Congress Party (NCP)to pass democratic laws needed for elections scheduled for next year.
The SPLM argues thatcurrent prevailing laws contravene the constitution, written after the 2005peace deal, which it said allows rights abuses to continue.
But the NCPquestions the boycott, saying it would not help realize the SPLM's demands.
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, head of the Government of SouthernSudan Mission to the United States, said that the NCPseems not to be interested in democratic reforms.
"Thereason why the SPLM walked out of parliament ?is because we are actuallyproposing agenda that are actually meant to implement the CPA (ComprehensivePeace Agreement)?(but) the NCP is saying that we need to discuss the speech ofthe president of the Republic of Sudan, Omar Bashir," Gatkuoth said.
Hedescribed the NCP's discussion proposal as unfortunate.
"(Theysaid) we need to discuss the treaties or the agreements that has been signed bythe ministries?for example if the ministry of energy and mining had anagreement with another ministry of energy and mining of another country," hesaid.
Gatkuoth denied theSPLM will continue with the parliamentary boycott.
"We are not saying that weare going to continue to boycott this for one week. We are saying let us moveon, discussing issues that are relevant? even if today they (NCP) had agreedthat these are the things that we will discuss. Then we will go back to theparliament," Gatkuoth said.
The NCP questioned therationale behind parliamentary boycott, saying it undermines its determinationto have an agreement on the SPLM's proposed discussions.
Gatkuoth said SPLM is uncomfortableabout new security laws.
"We are having concern(s)about the security law because they (NCP) want the security agency to have thepower of arresting people confiscating properties of anybody or any party, andeven seizures and searches?It is not in conformity with the CPA and theconstitution of Sudan," Gatkuoth said.
On Monday, President Barack Obama's administrationunveiled a new policy of engagement toward Sudan, offering incentives toembattled President Bashir's government to implement the 2005 CPA and end aseparate conflict in Darfur. But it warned of penalties if Bashir's NCP dragsits feet.
Khartoum criticized the new U.S. policy, butsimultaneously said that it embodies ideas indicating a change in U.S. policy.
Gatkuoth says his south Sudanese government welcomesWashington's new policy.
"The SPLM and the Government of Southern Sudan is veryhappy with the U.S policy towards Sudan (because) number one, in the first timein the history of the U.S administration, the Obama administration came outopenly that there is a possibility of two states co-existing side by side in peace in 2011," Gatkuoth said.
He said the new U.S policy backs the SPLM stance aboutpossible autonomy for southern Sudan after next year's election.
Washington also warned Khartoum that the country could beplunged into chaos if it fails fully to implement the CPA.