Ethiopia deputy PM attends South Sudan’s Independence Day

July 9, 2013 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, attended South Sudan’s second anniversary of independence on Tuesday

At least five foreign heads of states and many foreign dignitaries have attended the celebrations of South Sudan’s second year of independence in Juba.

Seen by both Sudan and South Sudan as neutral partner, Ethiopia had played significant role in mediating and encouraging both sides to narrow their differences and reach to agreements in many of the outstanding issues.

After attending the independence celebrations, the Ethiopian deputy prime Minister will hold discussions with South Sudan’s officials on number bilateral and on Sudan-South Sudan issues.

As Africa’s newest nation, South Sudan during the last two years has saw difficulties and setbacks challenging to its efforts to stand by its own feet as independent state.

Stand-off over key outstanding issues including disputes over oil and border have led to confrontations with Sudan causing fears of a slide to an all-out war.

It is to be recalled that in his visit to Addis Ababa last week, South Sudan Foreign Affairs Minister and International Cooperation, Nhial Deng Nhial, briefed Ethiopian leaders on the currently ongoing peace negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan.

While Nhial then sought Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagement towards full and speedy implementation of CPA agreements, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, pledged that his country will remain committed to extend its support to both sides and to the AU panel of the wise for the peace of the Sudans and the region.

(ST)