Turkey backs Sudanese unity, vows support for plebiscite

With an ongoing referendum likely to split Sudan along its Arab-African fault line, Turkey said it favors a unified country, while adding that diplomats will try to maintain good relations with both sides. "We are pursuing two principles in regards to our relations with Sudan ," said a Foreign Ministry official yesterday. "First, we want the continuity of Sudan 's territorial integrity and unity. Our desire is in this direction. Secondly, we want the referendum result to serve peace and stability in the country regardless of the outcome." The official added that it is too early to comment on the independence vote, since the results have not been finalized. Turkey would pursue good relations with southern Sudan if it splits off from the north, said another Turkish diplomat who wished to remain anonymous. Speaking on the phone on the eve of the referendum, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told his Sudanese counterpart Ali Ahmed Karti that Turkey values Sudan 's territorial integrity, but that Ankara will respect whatever decision comes from the vote, according to diplomatic sources.