Tackle root causes of Jonglei conflict, EU tells President Kiir
March 22, 2012 (JUBA) – The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy has expressed concerns over recent inter-communal violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, urging the country’s leadership to restore security by tacking the root causes of the problem.
A disarmament exercise launched nearly a week ago in the region has reportedly been marred by irregularities such as alleged rape and theft.
Rompuy, during a meeting with South Sudan president, Salva Kiir in Brussels, Belgium said the European Union (EU), together with other members of the international community, remains committed to supporting the world’s newest nation in efforts to transform the country into a secure, stable and democratic country.
“At today’s meeting with President Salva Kiir, I confirmed the EU’s strong support for South Sudan’s state building and development efforts. The EU is already doing a lot, helping to reduce poverty, improve health care and education. We will assist in efforts to consolidate democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Rompuy said in a 20 March statement.
The EU also lauded the seemingly improving relations between North and South Sudan, citing the recent framework agreement on citizenship and border demarcation, expected to be finalised by President Kiir and his Sudanese counterpart, Omar Hassan al-Bashir early next month.
The head of the European Commission encouraged the two countries to find peaceful remedies to resolve all other outstanding issues such as oil and the disputed region of Abyei, pledging to continue supporting the African Union’s efforts in facilitation the process.
The EU member countries, Rompuy told Kiir, are gravely concerned about the ongoing violence in the border areas and the worsening humanitarian situation, which recently dominated discussions before members of the US foreign relations committee in Washington DC.
“The EU has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties, the resumption of dialogue and the peaceful settlement of all disputes,” Rompuy said, citing the situation in north Sudan’s Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where he appealed to Khartoum to urgently allow the delivery of international humanitarian aid to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
Catherine Ashton, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, while meeting Kiir, further reiterated the organisation’s strong commitment to South Sudan’s peace process, describing it as a platform through which its people can benefit from peace, justice and development.
South Sudan, according Ashton, also expressed its willingness to accede to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Africa, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) countries. As a member of the Cotonou, South Sudan will be liable to seek assistance for development, in addition to gaining market access for its products.
In a joint press conference in Brussels, Kiir reportedly briefed the EU delegation on the progress made in the Addis Ababa talks on post-independence issues under mediation of the AU High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP).
The South Sudan leader, according to the official government website, said the recent framework agreement on citizenship and border demarcation remains a “critical” step toward resolving the dispute between the two neighbours.
“I’ve invited President Bashir to Juba so that we can further discuss these issues and continue to negotiate with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement soon,” Kiir said.
Meanwhile the EU, according to Kiir, also earmarked 285 million Euros for development projects in South Sudan, with specific focus on the areas of food security, education and healthcare.
(ST)