Head of the National Congress Party. He came to power in 1989 when he, as a brigadier in the Sudanese army, led a group of officers in a bloodless military coup that ousted the government of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi. Omar's peculiar talent lies in starting conflict. He has fallen out with his Islamic mentor, Hasan al-Turabi, tried to impose shariah on the Christian and animist south, resulting in its imminent secessesion, and attempted to
ArabizeDarfur by unleashing the barbaric Janjaweed on it. Sudan's potential prosperity has been pissed away in warfare that has left as many as 400,000 people dead and 2.5 million displaced. Omar has been indicted for genocide by the International Criminal Court but nothing is expected to come of it.
told southerners on a rare visit to Juba on Tuesday he would celebrate the result of Sunday's referendum on southern independence, "even if you choose secession."
"I personally will be sad if Sudan splits. But at the same time I will be happy if we have peace in Sudan between the two sides," Bashir said in a speech to senior southern officials at the start of his one-day visit.
"I am going to celebrate your decision, even if your decision is secession."
On his arrival at Juba airport, the president was given a red carpet welcome by southern leader Salva Kiir, senior politicians, religious leaders and a guard of honour from the combined armed forces of north and south Sudan.
Around 500 people gathered outside the airport, shouting slogans in favour of separation, such as "no to unity", and waving southern flags, but the atmosphere was festive.
In his speech, Bashir said unity was the best choice for southerners but he also insisted he wanted good relations with the south if it chooses independence, and repeated his message that the links between north and south Sudan were unique.
"Anything you need in terms of technical, logistical or professional support from Khartoum, you will find us ready to give it," he said.
"The benefit we get from unity, we can also get it from two separate states."
A heavy security presence was deployed in Juba, where armed soldiers were seen patrolling the streets.
After his speech, Bashir held talks with Kiir at the presidency on key post-referendum issues that both leaders have committed to negotiate within six months of the vote.
These include future citizenship arrangements, security and the shareout of oil wealth and debt. They must also forge a consensus on border demarcation, with around 20 percent of the north-south border yet to be agreed on.
Southern information minister Barnaba Marial said the leaders had during their meeting pledged to resolve all outstanding issues by July, when south Sudan would gain independence should the vote go that way.