South Sudan slams Hamas PM’s remark, demands apology

October 6, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Republic of South Sudan has strongly censured remarks in which Ismail Haniya, Prime Minister of the ousted Hamas’s government in Gaza strip, reportedly described the newly independent country as “a foundling state.”

According to a report published by the daily Sudanese newspaper Al-Ahdath last week, Haniya was delivering a Friday prayer sermon on 30 October when he described South Sudan as a “foundling state” as he strongly advocated the view that Palestinians should seek to establish their state through armed struggle not at the UN General Assembly.

“We have not heard in history that states were established through international resolutions, even this foundling state in South Sudan, which was severed from Sudan’s main homeland, did not come to exist through a UN resolution but rather through fighting and agreements,” he was quoted.

Haniya further said that establishing a Palestinian state with its capital Jerusalem is the goal of all Palestinian people, stressing that it is not acceptable that a Palestinian state be established in exchange for ceding a span of the hand of Palestinian territories.”

“We support the establishment of a Palestinian state on liberated territories but without recognizing the [Israeli] occupation,” he added.

Reacting to his statement, the government of South Sudan expressed regret and denunciation over Haniya’s remarks.

The head of South Sudan’s diplomatic mission in Egypt, Farmina Makueit, described Haniya’s statement as “irresponsible” and called on him to apologize to South Sudanese people.

“Haniya deliberately involved South Sudan in the conflict between Hamas and [its rival] Fatah [Palestinian Liberation Organization],” the southern official said.

Since it gained full independence from Sudan in July this year, South Sudan vowed to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel and reportedly announced intention open an embassy in Jerusalem.

Israel quickly declared recognition of South Sudan’s independence and vowed to its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation with president Kiir in July, promising his country’s assistance in areas of infrastructure, communications and agriculture.

(ST)