Khartoum summons western diplomats over Juba’s alleged rebel support

May 16, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese foreign affairs ministry on Tuesday summoned top diplomats from Britain, US and Norway over claims alleging that South Sudan supports rebel movements in the country.

Khartoum officials, SUNA reported, informed the British and US Charge d’Affaires and the Ambassador of Norway of rebel groups, which recently attacked Um-Rawaba and Abu-Karshola areas of Sudan.

Rahamtalla Osman, the ministry’s undersecretary reportedly told the diplomats, who were summoned separately, that Sudan rejects such an hostile act, which he said would have negative impact on the relations between the two countries.

He further warned that the seemingly improving relations between Sudan and South Sudan risks losing ground, should the level of mistrust between the two countries continue rising.

Meanwhile, the three western diplomats reportedly expressed their appreciation of the efforts being exerted by Sudan government for realising stability in its relations with South Sudan State.

The trio, however, expressed their willingness to engage in talks with South Sudan authorities, to establish the facts on the contentious issues, which threatens efforts aimed at achieving peaceful co-existence between the two countries.

Last week, a joint meeting in Khartoum between military intelligence teams from Sudan and South Sudan failed to reach an agreement on the thorny issue of harboring and supporting rebel groups in both countries.

Both Khartoum and Juba, last month, agreed to form a joint committee mandated with addressing concerns and complaints which may constitute a violation to the Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Aggression and Cooperation of 14 February 2012, as well as the Mutual Cooperation Agreement of 27 September 2012.

(ST)