Juba reiterates commitment to cooperate with Khartoum

December 15, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan has remained its full committed to implement the 2012 cooperation agreement it signed with neigbouring Sudan.

South Sudan’s foreign affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin said it was unfortunate the Sudanese government opted for the media to channel its complains instead of following proper channels and mechanisms to address matters.

“In the non-aggression and cooperation we have signed with Sudan in 2012, we agreed that complaints and allegations from either side should be raised through joint political mechanism. In that agreement, we have also agreed not to support hostile groups operating against the other,” Marial told Sudan Tribune on Monday.

“We agreed to not support any cross border operations and no supporting proxy forces operating with an objective to destabilize the existence of the other,” he added.

The agreement, Marial said, obliges the two sides to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and from launching any attack, including aerial bombardments.

“What is said in the Sudanese press receives different interpretations and generates different feelings from members of our public but we have always found a way to handle it because we know war is not in the best interest of the two countries,” he said.

“It is also important the media play a role in both countries to educate our citizens of the significance of supporting peaceful relations between the two countries,” he added.

The minister’s reactions came a day after several Sudanese government officials were quoted accusing neighbouring South Sudan of allegedly support to Sudanese rebels.

“These are unfortunate statements and we would not wish to use the media. But I can give the government of the republic of South Sudan that we remain committed to the full implementation of the cooperation,” Marial said.

Political analysts and observers, however, say the renewed accusations by the Sudanese government stems from its frustration with the presence of the Ugandan forces in its southern neighbour. Khartoum also accuses Uganda of backing its armed rebels.

(ST)

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