NAIROBI, Oct. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- The president of the new government of southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has formed an autonomous government in accordance with a landmark peace deal which ended over two decades of civil war between the north and south.

    Under the terms of the deal, the south has been given a large degree of autonomy and the chance to vote for full independence in six years' time.

    According to a list made available here Monday, Kiir, who is also the first vice president of Sudan appointed a 20-member cabinet comprising seven advisors with decisions still pending on two other ministries.

    The new government includes most of the leading figures from the former southern rebels, the SPLM.

    Analysts say their decision to concentrate on the south, rather than the national government in Khartoum, is an indication that they regard separation from the north in six years' time as likely.     

    According to the list, Rebecca Garang, whose husband John led the rebels before dying in a helicopter crash in July, has become minister for transport and roads.

    Nhial Deng, who was instrumental during negotiations that culminated into the January landmark deal, was appointed minister of regional cooperation; Samson Kwaje, SPLM spokesman, becomes minister of information; and the interior portfolio was handed to Daniel Awet Akol.

    The cabinet also includes the vice president of the southern government, Rick Machar, who will become the minister of housing and lands.

    Former SPLM leader Garang negotiated the January peace agreement with the Sudanese government that ended more than 20 years of civil war, the longest-running in Africa.

    He was killed in a helicopter crash in July while his widow, Rebecca de Mabior, has been one of the leaders of the former rebel movement.

    The January peace accord provided for an autonomous south with its own army, national power and wealth-sharing, religious freedom and a new constitution during a six-year interim period.

    After six years, the 10 southern states will hold a referendum on independence.

    The southern Sudanese are now responsible for their own internal affairs. However, control over defense, foreign policy and energy remains with the national government in Khartoum. Enditem