South Sudan’s chief negotiator on post-secession issues Pagan Amum. [Gurtong |File]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 25 July 2012 [Gurtong] - The Monday presentation included all issues to be agreed on between the two countries before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2046 deadline of 2August.
South Sudan’s chief negotiator Pagan Amum,said the presentation dubbed as “Agreement on Friendly Relations andCooperation (AFRC)” aims at achieving permanent and lasting peace, security and prosperity for both nations.
“If accepted by the Republic of Sudan, the AFRC will not only rejuvenate Sudan's economy, but also end hostilities, resume bilateral trade, including oil production and export and ensure a permanent peace between South Sudan and Sudan”, said Amum.
Despite its own development challenges, South Sudan included over USD 3 billion to support Sudan’s economy in the AFRC.
A Sudanese government official Mutrif Sedig, responding to the AFRC, said they hope to finalise and agree on all the outstanding issues between the two countries in three months as mandated by the UNSC.
Khartoum insists the two countries should address security as a top priority
Khartoum accuses South Sudan of backing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, an accusation Juba repeatedly denied.
South Sudan seceded from Sudan last July but many disputes between the two countries have remained unresolved.
These among others include; security and border demarcation, nationality and protection of the status of nationals of the other state, Economic relations and the Abyei question.
The Sudanese and South Sudanese delegations mediated by the AUHIP have been in Ethiopia since 12 July to negotiate and settle the outstanding issues between the two countries.