Audio: Eye Radio challenges S. Sudan presidential spokesman on Troika letter
June 22, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Eye Radio said Presidential spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, attempted to backtrack on his own words he uttered on Monday during an interview in which he told the radio station that Troika member nations wrote a letter to the Presidency, demanding removal of top finance officials in the country in order to bail out the nation financially.
But Eye Radio on Wednesday challenged Ateny by releasing audio for the interview in which the audio confirmed that Ateny actually said a letter was written by Troika.
Ateny in the audio of the interview which is transcribed for readership actually alleged that Troika countries had demanded removal of finance minister, David Deng Athorbei and Central Bank governor, Kornelio Koryom Mayiik.
According to the audio released on Wednesday, Eye Radio reporter asked this question: “And Ateny Wek Ateny, if you can also share with us when this letter was actually delivered and who signed it, and also to whom was it exactly addressed?”
To which Ateny responded: “Well, it is addressed to the government of the Republic of South Sudan – meaning the government…the Transitional Government of National Unity, which is led by President Salva Kiir, deputized by the first Vice President, Riek Machar…Dr. Riek Machar and Vice President James Wani, and all the 30 Ministers, and you know eight deputy ministers.”
Ateny continued: “Uh you know the address was to them. I understand that there are a number of issues the Troika wanted to be….you know… the Troika wanted to be done before they come up with any help, you know – that they can bailout South Sudan, of course financially. Always those who pay have always a condition.”
The reporter asked Ateny if there has been any government’s official response to the letter.
Ateny responded: “Well, the government, in its sitting on Friday, you know, actually placed this as one of the…of the…the agenda to be discussed, which has not been discussed on that Friday. But it will…it will be discussed and the response will be actually made accordingly in response to… or even in form of meetings. Maybe the economic sector –you know –going out to inform those concerned, the donors, and those who are concerned internationally to help South Sudan on the basis of what will be agreed in the next meeting.”
It is second time in less than a month that Ateny has been embroiled in controversial public relations.
Two weeks ago he admitted authoring an Op-Ed, drafted with the help of a hired American public relations firm and published in the United States based New York Times newspaper with the name of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
The controversial joint appeal attempted to forge an understanding between the two rival leaders to drop justice and accountability provision in the August 2015 peace agreement.
The New York Times also regretted having published the Op-Ed without first confirming its authenticity with the office of the First Vice President.
(ST)