Army North Sudan demobilized southern members - voice of America

The soldiers of the Sudanese people's Liberation Army walk during a rehearsal for the independence celebrations on Saturday for the new Republic of South Sudan, in the South of the capital of Juba, July 5, 2011

The army of the North Sudan is demobilize some 15,000 southerners in its ranks, as the South prepares to declare independence.

The Sudanese Media Center pro-Government reports there will be a ceremony of dismissal Thursday in Khartoum, be resolved by the Defence Minister Abdel Rahim Mohammed Hussain.

The new Republic of southern Sudan is due to declare independence on Saturday. The North and the South are trying to untangle themselves, but the parties have not yet resolve issues on the borders and oil revenues.

Army of the North is currently fighting pro-Sud elements in the North of the southern Kordofan State.

During this time, rehearsals are underway for celebrations Saturday in the capital of the South, Juba. The authorities have closed off the streets so organizers can prepare for the main ceremony of the independence and other festivities.

Some 30 African leaders are expected, including Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon.

North and South Sudan fought 21-year civil war which ended in 2005. Southern Sudan overwhelmingly to separate from the North in a referendum in January.

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