European Union member tour for Unity State security assessment

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

March 16, 2012 (BENTIU) – The high level delegations from the European Union, led by German ambassador to South Sudan, Peter Felten, came to Unity State on Thursday to observe the current security situation in the state and the issues in South Kordofan and Unity states.

“A precondition of the visit by the mission is for the two neighbouring countries to have some common issues that will allow international communities to do their job freely, “ said Felten.

Felten expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation of the displaced people and the current deteriorating security situation in the border regions.

“Our coming here is to see what is happening and how we can help the new nation to progress ahead”, he added.

“It is very important to have some more clarifications points from the Governor about what has happened and how it will help us to address these together with the European Commission”, Felten added.

Felten pledged his government’s commitment to working with north and South Sudan on resolving the outstanding issues, such as the Abyei border demarcation and the movement of Miseriya pastoralists into South Sudan during dry season.

Felten assessed the situation in the state, including refugee camp in Jau; an area claimed by both north and South Sudan.

He added that they will pressure the regional blocs to intervene and help the two Sudans to resolve their differences.

“We are urging the African Union and Inter-Government Authority for Development to help the two governments to work out the outstanding issues between Khartoum and Juba”, said Felten.

The acting Unity state governor, Samuel Lony Geng, welcomed the visit of the European Union members to the state, who are touring the areas affected by the recent aerial bombardment by Sudanese Army Forces on Unity State.

Geng added that the major issues that need to be addressed include border demarcation and the ending of oil production that have affected both countries.

He also said, if north Sudan wants South Sudan to resume oil production, they should charge South Sudan a standard international tariff. The dispute over oil transit fees is partly based upon north Sudan’s demads for US$36 per barrel, which Juba refuses.

(ST)