South Sudan diplomats review performance with leadership

By James Gatdet Dak

July 29, 2009 (JUBA) – Heads of Missions representing the semi-autonomous Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) in foreign countries around the world have gathered in Juba to review with the leadership performance of their respective Missions abroad.

The GoSS Heads of Missions discussed with the Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, challenges they had been facing as well as their successes.

Among the issues reviewed in the meeting included their respective Missions relationships with the Sudanese embassies in such countries as well as their assessment of friendships between the Government of Southern Sudan and the foreign countries.

They also discussed the implications of withdrawal of Sudan from the Cotonou Agreement and the need to sign respective Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with countries that find it necessary to substitute for the Agreement.

The issue of how best to enhance the positive role played by South Sudanese citizens, who are in the Diaspora during the post-war time, was also discussed among others.

The Heads of Missions representing GoSS in Europe, America, Middle East and Africa were present in the meeting.

The Southern Sudan liaison offices are part of the Sudanese diplomatic missions abroad. They have the status of technical offices.

(ST)