Khartoum: Sudan's President has offered to relieve the south from any debt burden if it votes for independence by assuming the whole USD 36 billion national debt.
President Omar al-Bashir's office said on Monday that trying to split the debt between the north and a possible new southern nation is of "no use" because the new state would not be able to service the debt.
It appears to be a goodwill gesture from al-Bashir toward the south. The statement however said Sudan's debt should be scrapped altogether, saying it is the "responsibility of the north, south and the international community”.
The US has offered Khartoum a package of incentives if the referendum goes smoothly.
Southern Sudan is one of the world's poorest regions.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 09:58