UN envoy tours Unity state with calls for peace

November 8, 2013 (BENTIU) – The United Nations under-secretary general for field support on Friday visited South Sudan’s Unity state, to witness government commitment in nation building processes.

During the visit, Ameerah Hag, urged authorities in the oil-rich state to strengthen peace, which she described as a role model for democracy world over.

She held talks with the deputy governor, Mabek Lang De Mading and a number of senior government officials in the state.

The senior UN official, while briefing group of journalists on Friday, said her visit was to make sure institutions in the new nation stand on the right foundation. Discussions, she revealed, mainly focused on local resources allocation, budget expenditure and security aspects.

Hag also briefed the council of state ministers, during which she stressed that maintenance of peace and support to government for conflict prevention was one of the mandates of the UN mission in the country.

“By working together and support the state government, the local authorities and the citizens of the state, the Mongolian Battalion and UNMISS are striving to help extend state authority, prevent conflicts, protect civilians and consolidate the peace so the people can build a strong economy and a fairer society, where every child in every part of this state can succeed and achieve his or her dream”, she said.

The UN official, as part of her visit, also witnessed a medal parade by Mongolian peace-keepers, during which they were decorated in appreciation for their support to people and authorities in Unity state.

Meanwhile, the deputy governor underscored the role of the UN in disarmament campaigns, saying it has greatly impacted on the improved border relations with neighbouring regions.

“Issues concerning relationship with our tri-states, which is Warrap, Lake and Unity state have improved. Also, areas of cooperation with the UN have improved, that’s why they are supporting the disarmament, the areas of constitutional reviews ahead of the fourth coming general elections in 2015”, said Mabek.

South Sudan became a member of the UN shortly after its independence from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011.

(ST)