The SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum, said that northerners living in Southern Sudan should continue with their normal life weather the southerners opt for unity or separation and the same should apply to southerners in the north.

In a press release following the meetings, Amum expressed optimism in reaching understandings on these issues, clarifying that the negotiations are conducted in a positive spirit.

Earlier, Amum confirmed the European Union's promise to accept and respect the referendum results and pledge to provide through the United Nations, $120 million to the Referendum Commission as support to the referendum process.

On the other hand, USA has urged the National Referendum Commission to speed up its work, and expressed readiness to provide necessary assistance. This came in the meetings of the US special envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, with the referendum commission on Monday.

While addressing the press, a member of the Commission, Ibrahim Issa, said that members of the Commission will visit the southern states after the formation of its committees. She further affirmed that the Commission is doubling its efforts to determine and implement its programs.