S. Sudan says Russia against proposed sanctions
December 18, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese foreign affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin said Russia was vowed to opposed the looming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against the conflict-hit country.
The EU on Monday slapped an arms embargo on South Sudan over failure to resolve its ongoing conflict, calling on the international community to consider tougher actions.
The move came a year after political disputes plunged the nation into armed violence.
“We discussed specifically the issue of sanctions which is being talked about and we were assured by the Russian Federation Minister of Foreign affairs that Russia will not support any sanction against the republic of South Sudan,” said Marial.
“I think this is an important step that Russian Federation has taken and they will work hard to see that peace comes to the republic of South Sudan,” Marial told reporters.
The UN Security Council, to which Russia is a permanent member with veto powers, has warned South Sudanese warring against obstructing peace process and would face sanctions. The IGAD mediated peace talks resume this week in Ethiopia.
Marial described EU calls to expand arm embargo on South Sudan as “unnecessary”.
“We believe it is ill advised for people to speak of arm embargo on the republic of South Sudan because we are no engaging fighting any war with any country but the sovereignty of this country has to be protected. It is a country that is facing rebellion and its the right of the government and its people to defend their territory,” he said.
Marial said his Moscow trip was part of the campaign to lobby against looming sanctions.
In 2011, South Sudan and Russia signed a deal on establishing diplomatic relations.
The two countries, in the agreement, reportedly agreed to base their relations on the ground of the mutual respect of their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-involvement in the domestic affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes and other international laws declared, in particular the UN Charter
At least 2.5 million people in South Sudan are expected to face severe food shortages in the coming months and the EU said it remained particularly concerned at the continued hindrance of international humanitarian assistance.
Tens of thousands of people have already been killed and nearly two million displaced since conflict erupted in the country a year ago. The conflict pits president Salva Kiir’s forces against those loyal to his former vice-president, Riek Machar.
(ST)