DEFINITIONS

In this agreement unless the context otherwise requires the following words shall have the same meanings assigned to it.

"Southern States" means the ten Southern States arising from the former provinces of Bahr el Gazal, Equatoria and Upper Nile with their boundaries as stood on 1st January 1956.

"Interim Period" means the transitional period having the defined functions to this agreement, the end of which shall be the announcement of the referendum results.

"Constitution" means the constitution of the Sudan including such parts or articles of the agreement as shall be designated to be part thereof.

"Agreement" is this peace agreement signed on April 21st 1997, between the Sudan Government on the one hand and the UDSF, SPLM, SSIG and EDF on the other.

"President of the Coordinating Council" refers to the person appointed by the President of the Republic of the Sudan to preside over the Coordinating Council.

"Custom" in the States of South Sudan means the African Custom.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

The general principles contained in the political charter signed in Khartoum on
10th April 1996 shall be part of this agreement and shall guide and explain
its provisions.
During a four-year interim period South Sudan shall enjoy a special status as
defined in this peace agreement.
The interim arrangements shall be preceded by a declaration of permanent
cease-fire and general amnesty proclamation.
The people of South Sudan shall exercise the right of self-determination
through a referendum.
The problem of Abyei has been discussed and a final solution is referred to a
conference on Abyei that will be convened in the area within the interim period