Russia has to open consulate in South Sudan – envoy

December 9, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Russia should open a consulate in the southern Sudan capital as over 20 countries have their offices there, said Mikhail Margelov the special envoy to Sudan in statements to Russian journalists.

Margelov is conducting currently a six-day visit to Sudan since last Thursday heading a delegation of businessmen, media and press. He visited Kadoguli, Al-Fasher, Juba and met today with the President Omer Al-Bashir in Khartoum.

The envoy disclosed in a discussion with Russian journalists who accompanied during his visit to Sudan he intends to discuss the question of opening a consulate with President Dmitriy Medvedev when he briefs him on his trip to the country.

“This is not the first year that the idea of opening a Russian consulate in Southern Sudan in Juba has been discussed, and I am deeply convinced that this should be done and not delayed,” reported the Russian RIA Novosti news agency on Wednesday.

The Special envoy said that there are now 20 foreign consulates in Juba including Russia’s partners at the UN Security Council.

He further stressed that there is a need for diplomatic presence in Juba as Russian business showed interest to implement projects in southern Sudan.

He intends to discuss the question of opening a consulate with President Dmitriy Medvedev when he briefs him on his trip to the country, the report said.