South Sudanese ministers in Khartoum Monday for talks on normalization process
June 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – A high-level South Sudanese delegation is expected in Khartoum next Monday for talks on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement which should lead to normalize bilateral relations.
The South Sudanese delegation for the meeting of the Joint Political and Security Committee (JPSC) will be led by the Defence Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk. The Minister of Interior, Alfred Lado Gore and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Deng Alor Kuol will also take part in the meetings.
Speaking to the semi-official Sudanese Media Center (SMC) in Khartoum, South Sudan Deputy Head of Mission, Kau Nak Maper, said that the delegation would be arriving in Khartoum on the 6th of June.
“The JPSC South Sudanese delegation will start meetings on the border demarcation with their counterparts in Khartoum, also will discuss the immediate implementation of the agreements signed recently by the two parties,” Maper said.
He further said that the demarcation process has been largely achieved during the previous period.
Sudan and South Sudan have completed 80% of the North-South border demarcation process since 2010 as the matter was crucial before to run the self-determination referendum.
However the remaining disputed border areas have delayed the implementation of the security arrangements which Khartoum sees central for the normalization process between the two countries.
Last week, Khartoum renewed its demand for the full implementation of the Cooperation Agreement stressing it should be “indivisible”. Sudanese officials say Juba only implemented the oil transit agreement.
Khartoum last March renewed accusations that Juba continues supporting Sudanese rebel groups, and suspended unilateral measures such
The JPSC meetings were adjourned several times due to the security situation in South Sudan.
The Cooperation Agreement which is brokered by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), was signed by Presidents Omer al-Bashir and Salva Kiir on 25 September 2012.
(ST)