S. Sudan optimistic Arab League summit will help resolve conflict

March 3, 2014 (JUBA) – The government of South Sudan has expressed optimism of the support member countries of the Arab League could provide to address its conflict.

Foreign Affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that the Secretary of the Arab League of nations had invited him to participate in the forthcoming meeting of the Arab foreign ministers on the situation in the new nation.

“Yes, I have been invited by the Secretary General of the Arab league to brief them about the current situation in the country. This is what I will be going for”, Marial said by phone.

The minister, however, said he was optimistic that Arab world countries would provide any necessary support to help South Sudan overcome its conflict. He did not, however, comment on whether his country would join the league, saying the discussions would mainly focus on the conflict.

“My mission would be briefing the league about the conflict but I will also listen to any issue of mutual benefits and interest to the people of South Sudan,” said Marial, who is also due to meet his Egyptian counterpart, Nabil Fahmy to discuss bilateral relations.

The Arab League is an international organization of Arabic and Islamic countries in the Middle East and North Africa with up to 20 members. It will, however, be the first time a South Sudanese minister will be participating in its summit.

(ST)