Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson will be present at the inauguration of the new presidency in Sudan on 9 July.

Former leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) John Garang will be sworn in as the new First Vice President of Sudan, while Omar Bashir and Ali Osman Taha will continue in the government as President and Second Vice President, respectively.

The Minister has been invited to attend the inauguration ceremony in Khartoum because of the role Norway has played in supporting the peace negotiations in Sudan. The inauguration of John Garang as First Vice President is part of the implementation of the peace agreement concluded between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM on 9 January this year, which has also resulted in a new, more rights-based constitution.

During her visit to Sudan on 8-10 July, the Minister will also have talks with Sudanese politicians and government leaders from other parts of the region. In her talks Ms Johnson will discuss the further implementation of the peace agreement and the situation in Darfur. She will underscore that the new Government of National Unity must secure peace throughout the entire country and lay the groundwork for humanitarian assistance and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

The Minister will also discuss human rights issues with representatives of the authorities, the UN and NGOs.

Press contact: Head of Information Espen Gullikstad, tel.: +47 91708122