Bashir: Khartoum is keen about peace in S. Sudan
January 4, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir has reiterated his country’s determination to achieve peace in the Republic of South Sudan.
Benjamin has briefed Bashir on the latest developments in the implementation of the peace agreement signed last August between the government and the rebels of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by the former Vice-President Riek Machar.
Benjamin also conveyed to Bashir a verbal message from his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Bashir stressed the depth of relations between the two neighbouring countries and peoples , saying that “we are one nation living in two countries.’’
Ghandour said Bashir had also expressed Sudan’s desire to work for the stability of Southern Sudan.
According to Ghandour , Bashir pointed out the importance of convening the joint security committee between the two countries .
Also, Bashir praised the good relationship between the foreign ministries in the two Sudans that led to the signing of an agreement of the joint political and security panel.
on 14 October 2015, the two countries agreed to reactivate the joint border monitoring force to prevent rebel infiltration and cross border attacks. Since the joint security committee had to hold another meeting in November 2015 but Juba delayed it several times.
Benjamin and Ghandour who are tasked with the coordination of the different joint mechanisms discussed when to convene this meeting, among others.
The visiting South Sudanese top diplomat said Bashir had stressed the importance of Khartoum’s relation with Juba, calling for the need to complete the demarcation of the common border and implement the Cooperation Agreement the two sides had signed in September 2012.
“Bashir said that peace in Sudan means peace in South Sudan, welcoming the ongoing dialogue between the two Sudans for the settlement of outstanding issues,” Benjamin added.
(ST)