South Sudan’s chief negotiator on post-secession issues Pagan Amum. [Gurtong |File]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 08 August 2012 [Gurtong]- “I am hopeful that this time round we will sign a comprehensive deal on oil and all the other issues,” Pagan Amum told the press in Juba on Tuesday.
Pagan also reiterated his confidence on the two parties cementing a final agreement on the status of Abyei referendum.
“Hopefully, this is going to be signed by our President and Omar Al Bashir before the African Union (AU),” he said.
Pagan said that the oil agreement will be implemented fully by the Juba government if a comprehensive deal on all outstanding issues is reached.
The other issues include, Abyei, security, border demarcation and citizenship.
Sudan and South Sudan last Friday struck a deal on oil which is expected to ease settlement on other outstanding issues.
The deal came after facing a three-month ultimatum from the United Nations Security Council, US and United Kingdom for the two countries to settle differences or face sanctions.
The US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton on Friday also visited South Sudan, met President Salva Kiir and urged the two neighbours to reach a compromise that will benefit both countries.