S. Sudan’s foreign minister assures diplomats of calm

July 10, 2016 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese foreign affairs minister, Deng Alor Kuol has assured various diplomats representatives in Juba to remain calm, despite the recent shootings in the capital, Juba.

He said the Transitional Government of National Unity will work closely on issues pertaining the peace agreement and investigate both incidents.

Alor, the US embassy said in a statement, met diplomats who included its envoy, Molly Phee, Kenya’s ambassador, Cleland Leshore and other diplomats from the British and Norwegian embassies to relay President Salva Kiir’s report on the 8 July clashes.

According to US embassy statement, the minister also outlined steps the unity government was taking to ensure the incident is avoided.

“On behalf of the President, the Foreign Minister urged the diplomatic community to remain in Juba and support the TGNU and the restoration of peace and security”, partly reads the statement.

Minister Alor, during the meeting with diplomat, reportedly acknowledged the imperative for the respective forces and camps of the country’s leaders to immediately pursue reconciliation.

The diplomats, the statement noted, welcomed the engagement and message from Kiir, but expressed their “deep regret and grave concern” regarding the renewed clashes.

Welcoming efforts by South Sudanese leaders to restore order, the diplomats called for sincere implementation of the peace agreement. They said the clashes had overshadowed South Sudan’s fifth independence anniversary and ruined hopes for peace.

(ST)