Japan embarks on agricultural projects JUBA, 14 May 2012 (NASS) – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is embarking on agricultural projects in South Sudan.
The Vice President of JICA in South Sudan, Mr. Watanabe Masato said this today while briefing the minister for Information and Broadcasting Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin on the expansion of their projects in the country. Mr Masato explained that JICA has already started on the projects of bridge construction across the Nile, water supply, and airport expansion, and shortly will embark on agriculture to strengthen food security. He as well revealed that the equipment for improving both SSTV and Radio will arrive in Juba from Japan by September this year. Dr Marial thanked JICA for continuous support to South Sudan saying the agricultural project will help in strengthening food security. He told JICA’s Vice President that the presence of the Japanese army engineering contingents is helping a lot in attracting investors. He as well called on the Japanese investors to come and invest in South Sudan confirming that the Republic of South Sudan is safe and secure. Dr Marial (right) gives a certificate to one of the graduands. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] In a separate development, the government of the Republic of Egypt has today graduated South Sudan media attachés after a series of training in diplomacy. During the graduation, the ambassador of Egypt to South Sudan, Mr. Moayad said Egypt is honored to be the first to train South Sudanese on diplomacy. He assured RSS government that this is not the last training and that many are following soon on different areas of development. He also said the government of Egypt is soon extending especial program to Jonglei state so that media personnel there receive similar program. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) H.E Kiir meets UN High Commissioner for Human Rights JUBA, 10 May 2012 - The President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has reiterated that the young Government of the Republic of South Sudan came from a long struggle for human rights and the government is committed to respecting and advancing the protection of the human rights. This was disclosed to the press by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanethem Pillay after her meeting with the President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit yesterday on Wednesday 9th May, 2012 at state House in Juba. Ms. Pillay said she is pleased the government of South Sudan has setup National Human Rights commission and other important government institutions, and thanked the government for addressing concerns of Human rights in South Sudan which she described as a good initiative, which will bring the new state to the best international human rights norms and standards. H.E Kiir meets UN Human Rights Commissioner. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] In another event, President Kiir received credentials of Israeli and Austrian Ambassadors yesterday on 9th May 2012 at the State House in Juba. The ambassadors are: 1- Amb. Haim Koren – Israel 2- Amb. Gdrun Graf – Austria On May 4th 2012 President of the Republic also received credentials of five ambassadors, were: - 1- Amb. Cornelis Theodorvs Van Baar– Kingdom of Netherlands 2- Amb. Kufa Edward Chinza – Republic of Zimbabwe 3- Amb. Pernille Dahler Kardel – Denmark 4- Am. Clara Pulido – Cuba 5- Amb. Sile Manguire– Ireland H.E Kiir receives credentials of Austria Ambassador. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] May it be known to all that so far (9th May, 2012) the number of the ambassadors accredited officially by the Republic of South Sudan is nineteen (19), and they are:- The First Group, Sep. 16th 2011: 1- Mr. Alaster Mcphail, Ambassador - Amb. of United Kingdom 2- Mrs. Ingrid Osfstad, Ambassador - Amb. of Kingdom of Norway The Second Group, Nov. 15th 2011: 3- Amb. Li Zhiguo - China 4- Amb. Cleland Leshore - Kenya 5- Amb. Peter Felten - Germany The Third Group, Dec. 8th 2011: 6- Amb. Moayad Fathallah Moihammed – Ambassador of Egypt 7- Amb. Chrition Bader – Ambassador of France 8- Amb. Susan Page– Ambassador of USA 9- Amb. Jan Sedak – Ambassador of Sweden H.E Kiir receives credentials of Israeli Ambassador. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] The Fourth Group, Feb. 27th, 2012: 10- Mr. Fre Tesfamichael Tesfatsion - Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. 11- Mr. Ahmed Ergin –Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey 12- Mr. Sven Kuehn Von Burgsdorff – Ambassador of the European Union The Fifth Group, May 4th, 2012: 13- Amb. Cornelis Theodorvs Van Baar – Kingdom of Netherlands 14- Amb. Kufa Edward Chinza – Republic of Zimbabwe 15- Amb. Pernille Dahler Kardel – Denmark 16- Am. Clara Pulido – Cuba 17- Amb. Sile Manguire – Ireland The sixth Group, May 9th, 2012: 18- Amb. Haim Koren – Israel 19- Amb. Gdrun Graf – Austria Reported by Mr. Thomas Kenneth Elisapana P.P.U/RSS/Juba Private universities closed JUBA, 10 May 2012 - The national ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology in the Republic of South Sudan has ordered with immediate effect the closure of private institutions of learning/ private universities that have been operating in the country saying they do not measure to the standards of an institution of Higher learning. Addressing the press in the ministry of Information headquarters today, Dr. Peter Adok Nyaba, the minister of Higher Education, said this decision to close the universities was reached as a result of findings of a study commissioned by the ministry between January and February this year. “After thorough analysis of the Report and in exercise of the powers conferred by the Higher Education Act of 2012, I the minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology therefore ordered closed with immediate effect all the institutions of which do not meet or fulfil the conditions of providing university education and this includes their licence withdrawal” said Dr. Nyaba. The affected universities among others include, Supiri Institute of management and Information Technology, The Bridge University, Nile Institute of Technology, Hippo Engineering Institute, Southern University (Institute of Management studies), Cambridge International College ,African population Institute, Agape Christian University. Dr Nyaba addressing the press. [Photo: Matata Safi] The minister also said his ministry has written to the ministry of Justice of the Republic of South Sudan to institute legal measures against a number of the universities for fraudulent fleecing of South Sudanese citizens. The study focused on a number of factors among which included but not limited to, location in terms of conducive for learning, ownership, whether it has sufficient number of lecture rooms, recreational facilities, qualifications of the lecturers and the administration. Dr. Nyaba called on South Sudanese already registered in these institutions to meet with the General Director of Administration of Higher Education for if they would wish to continue with university education. “The People who have registered in these institutions, should they wish to continue university education, are requested to meet the General Director of Administration, Evaluation and Acceleration for placement in recognized institutions of higher education on condition that they Have School leaving certificates with pass” noted Dr. Nyaba. This new comes as a thunder storm to many unsuspecting South Sudan who thought these universities had given them a rare opportunity for university education. Reported by Matata Safi UNIDO project to boost food security and employment in Upper Nile JUBA, 10 May 2012 - The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) will spend US$3.5 million in a multi-sectoral vocational training programme targeting Upper Nile State over the next three years. Mr Laraisse Esserrhini, the Project Coordinator of the “Sustainable Food Security through Community-based Livelihoods Development and Water Harvesting in South Sudan initiative,” said that in addition to providing vocational skills to the local people the project would also benefit the agricultural and fishing industries. Mr Esserrhini said the overall objective of the project which will be run jointly with the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, was to prepare the trainees for the job market. “We are not just going to train people for the sake of it. We will train the graduates so that they can get access to employment or self-employment,” he said. Mr Esserhini said the project was the outcome of a wide consultative process with the government and various stakeholders, adding that the consultations had helped identify the needs of the local people. The UN official said the local people indicated that they required crop seeds and agricultural tools. He said the project would therefore focus on vocational training and increased production in the agricultural and fishing sectors. Mr Esserhini said the project would also to impart basic skills in business management as a way of reinforcing the practical skills acquired by the graduates. He added that the project had also sought the cooperation of UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation to infuse literacy and numeracy skills into the training programmes. Mr Esserhini was speaking when he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project with the Under Secretary for Labour and Industrial Relations, Madam Hellen Achiro, at the Ministry’s boardroom. The signing was witnessed by the Public Service and HRD Under Secretary, Mrs Angeth Acol, the Ministry’s Legal Adviser, Mr Abraham Dut, and other senior UNIDO, ILO and Ministry officials. Speaking at the function, Madam Achiro thanked UNIDO for its assistance to South Sudan saying the initiative would go a long away in improving the livelihoods of the residents of Upper Nile State and preparing them for employment. Madam Achiro said the project had been negotiated through different levels to ensure ownership and continuity by the local community. Under the MoU, the Ministry will avail the Malakal Vocational Training Centre (MVTC) for the hosting of the training programmes for the project. The Ministry will also provide accommodation for the UNIDO project at MVTC for efficient execution of the programmes. The Ministry of Labour also has an obligation to assign a focal point person from its headquarters and focal point person at the Upper Nile/Malakal level, both of whom will be associated with all the operational acts of the project in addition to liaising with the Ministry at national and state level. On its part, UNIDO will conduct all training workshops that can technically be hosted by MVTC at the institution. The MVTC will benefit from a purchase and repair programme of the specific equipment needed for the training. Reported by Alnour Ango and Simon Owaka South Sudan marks first World Red Cross Day JUBA, 9 May 2012 - South Sudan for the first time as an independent country yesterday joined the rest of the world in marking the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebrated every 08th of May yearly worldwide. Speaking at the occasion in South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) national headquarters in Juba, Mr. Arthur Poole the Secretary General of South Sudan Red Cross said the organization is ready to play its role in providing humanitarian assistance in the Republic of South Sudan. Mr Poole addressing the participants at the celebration. [Photo: Matata Safi] “South Sudan is seeing escalating humanitarian needs with no sign of the reprieve. The SSRC would wish to take a strong role in providing prompt and appropriate humanitarian response to the needs of the people of this country”, he said. South Sudan Red Cross that was established on the 9th of July 2011 following the independence of the Republic of South Sudan. It got a much needed boost when the South Sudan Red Cross bill was passed in March this year by the National Assembly formally recognizing it (SSRC) as a national society in providing humanitarian assistance in South Sudan. Mr. Poole said this was a huge milestone for the society giving it full recognition as a member of the International Red Cross society. He added that SSRC has active and trained volunteers in all the ten States, engaged in programs of emergency response, first aid, disaster management and preparedness, community based health programs, hygiene promotion, water and sanitation and promotion of social inclusion. Hon Okolong. [Photo: Matata Safi] Meanwhile the deputy minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Hon. Sabina Dario Okolong lauded the Red Cross for its immense contribution to the people of South Sudan during and after the country’s long and painful struggle for freedom. “The other day our IDPs were given seven days to leave Sudan, it is worth mentioning that, through your collective efforts and those of the government that the date got extended”, said Okolong. She said South Sudan as a new nation has enormous challenges and added that the government with the combined efforts from partners like International Red Cross is able to address these challenges. The international Red Cross and Red Crescent movement was founded over 150 years ago by Henry Dunant who was profoundly moved by the sight of thousands of wounded soldiers perishing without healthcare in the battlefields. Reported by Matata Safi South Sudan should engage in regional and international popular opinion KAMPALA, 7 May 2012 (NASS) – The State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation in the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Asuman Kiyingi has urged the government of South Sudan to keep on explaining its position and engaging in regional and international popular opinion so that the world understands it properly. The minister said this on Sunday after being briefed by the minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin on the recent conflict between South Sudan and its neighbour Sudan. Hon. Kiyingi said explaining the situation both regionally and internationally is good so that South Sudan is not projected as an aggressor as is now perceived by the international community. Hon. Kiyingi (right) welcomes Dr. Marial (left) to his office. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] Answering some questions raised by South Sudanese students regarding security in Uganda, the minister assured them that the government will follow up such cases so that the students are safe in order not to jeopardize bilateral relations. On his part, Dr. Marial who is also the official spokesperson of the government of South Sudan welcomed the idea raised by the government of Uganda to engage in regional and international public opinion saying they will implement it. He said UN and the world are projecting South Sudan as aggressors because they don’t know much about Heglig, originally known as Panthou. He said anyone who follows the 1/1/1956 map will definitely know where Panthou falls. He told his Ugandan counterpart that the good thing about the conflict is that the issue is going to be tabled soon at the UN Security Council for debate. He added that the government of the Republic of South Sudan will never give in Panthou and will take this issue to the International Court of Arbitration, if need be. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) UN representative urges Jonglei residents to open a new chapter of peace JUBA, 9 May 2012 - The Special Representative of the Secretary General for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson, on Saturday 5 May while participating in the closing ceremony of “The Jonglei All Community Peace Conference” in Bor, Jonglei State, called on Jonglei communities to start a new chapter of peace. A press release from UNMISS department of public information quoted SRSG Johnson as saying, “Today is the opportunity to say No to violence, we need to see peace reach the communities in the grassroots and the cattle camps." She stressed that lasting peace can only happen when comprehensive solutions to the challenges of Jonglei have been found, when security institutions are being established, and protection for the people is in place. She commended the commitment of the communities to reaching a conflict-free Jonglei and reassured of the mission's commitment to help in opening a chapter for sustainable peace. Ms Johnson (right) addresses participants at the peace conference in Bor. [Photo: UNMISS] Ms Johnson further pointed out the importance of peaceful disarmament in ending the cycle of violence in the state. She commended the efforts of all the key players and the chiefs whom she lauded for mobilizing the people for the peaceful disarmament so far witnessed. She expressed hope that, the process will be completed in a peacefully manner. The signing ceremony took place at Freedom Square in Bor town, the capital of the state, and was attended by representatives of the six main communities of the state (Dinka, Kachipo, Jie, Nuer, Anyuak and Murle). Present also was the state governor Kuol Manyang, Archbishop Daniel Deng Bol, John Luk who is the national minister for Justice and Legal Affairs among others. Jonglei, one of the biggest out of the ten states of the Republic of South Sudan was engulfed in cattle raiding between January and February. The unlawful incidents left many people dead while displacing thousands more. President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the wake of this called for the disarmament of the Jonglei communities which has been going on for about a month and has already yielded relative peace in the area. Reported by Matata Safi RSS government calls for humanitarian attention on IDPS from Sudan KAMPALA, 7 May 2012 (NASS) – The government of the Republic of South Sudan has called on the humanitarian organizations in the country to pay much attention on the internally displaced coming from Sudan. The minister for Information and Broadcasting who is also the official government spokesperson announced this while briefing Ugandan journalists on the recent crises in South Sudan. Dr Marial said the IDPs are currently suffering in Kosti because of the absence of the basic services like food, shelter and medicine. Dr Marial (right) addressing the press in Kampala. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] He urged the humanitarian organizations to quickly help saying the situation is getting worse from day to day especially with young children. He challenged the African journalists especially the Ugandan ones to take an initiative to deal with the challenges. He said South Sudan is purely an African country and Ugandan and African journalists at large are welcome to find the truth in South Sudan telling them listening from far is not a good system of reporting. He added that relying on the secondary materials is not always right sometimes it misleads. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) RSS students in Uganda call for pressure on Sudan to stop aggression on South Sudan KAMPALA, 6 May 2012 (NASS) – The South Sudanese students in Uganda have urged the United Nations Security Council, the African Union and China to pressurize Sudan to halt its aggression on South Sudan. Addressing the mass during Nuer students’ cultural exhibition, the president of the South Sudanese students union in Uganda said the UN should not be reluctant to look into South Sudan’s problem saying the problems in South Sudan affect the whole region. The students as well requested the UN Security Council to deploy its forces in Heglig and order Sudan Armed Forces to withdraw as done by the SPLA to ensure the area is safe. Dr Marial (left) engages a student in a mock duel. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] Meanwhile, the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin disclosed that both UN Security Council and IGAD are working closely to strengthen African Union High Implementation Panel to facilitate peace between the two countries. He asserted that Panthou is part of South Sudan. “It is only because demarcation was not done that is why there is conflict between Sudan and South Sudan”, he said. He also urged the Nuer students’ union in Uganda to help support the government in convincing their families to accept disarmament process so that there is peace and development in the country. He pointed out that the government has taken notice of the suffering of students in the Diaspora and that it is working to resolve the problem. He urged the students to take education very seriously saying with it the country will have brighter future. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) Sudan extends exodus deadline to 20th May JUBA, 6 May 2012 - The authorities in Khartoum have extended the seven days departure order issued last week by the governor of White Nile Yussuf Al-Shambali to all South Sudanese temporarily sheltering in Kosti the capital of White Nile, by two weeks. Governor Al-Shambali had set 5th May as the deadline saying their presence in the area threatens the security and environment of his state. According to Sudan Tribune website, the decision to extend South Sudanese stay in Kosti was reached in a meeting of Sudan’s minister for Social Affairs Amira Fadil and the governor Al-Sambali. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN Humanitarian Affairs representatives in Khartoum had in the wake of the seven days given to the big number of over 12,000 South Sudanese called on the government in Khartoum to review the decision by the governor. While announcing the extension, governor Al-Sambali said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN humanitarian organisations will be allowed to transport the refugees by road to Renk in Upper Nile state of the Republic of South Sudan. Sudan that controls most of the barges in Khartoum blocked all barges used by IOM to transport the South Sudanese from Kosti to South Sudan accusing the South Sudan Army (SPLA) of using them for transporting troops and military equipment to its borders with Khartoum, a charge the SPLA has outrightly refuted. This decision comes at a time when there were going humanitarian concerns in the South about the fate the big number of South Sudanese that would be affected by the order. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the minister for Information and Broadcasting and the official spokesman of the government of the Republic of South Sudan told the press early in the week that the government was concerned about the unexpected humanitarian crisis as a result of the governor’s decision. According to the minister, the refugees’ movement had been restricted and those who would disobey the orders were threatened with arrest. Relations between Sudan and South Sudan worsened early last month when South Sudan flashed out the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) who has been occupying Sudan’s (Panthou) Heglig area of Unity State for six years. SPLA accused them of using Panthou to launch attacks on its positions. SPLA withdrew from the area ten days after the President Kiir in search of peaceful resolution of the differences with Khartoum ordered its withdrawal. Reported by Matata Safi Japan welcomes UNSC resolutions and AU roadmap JUBA, 4 May 2012 (NASS) - The government of Japan has welcomed the resolution passed by the UN Security Council and AU roadmap as a peace forum between Sudan and South Sudan, the special representative of the Japanese government to South Sudan Mr. Kazuo Chujo has said. He said the ultimatum given by the United Nations Security Council will help bring peace between the two countries of Sudan and its neighbor South Sudan. Mr. Chujo announced this yesterday shortly after meeting the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin. Dr Marial meeting the Japanese delegation. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] The minister appreciated the support made by the government of Japan to see that there is peace in the young Republic of South Sudan. He as well assured the government of Japan of full cooperation saying that the Japanese engineering army contingent is safe and secure in South Sudan. Mr. Chujo also reiterated that Japan is committed to support South Sudan further noting that they are working to realize peace, security and stability. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency South Sudan (NASS) Undersecretary calls for capacity building for trade unions JUBA, 4 May 2012 - The Undersecretary for Labour in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Madam Hellen Achiro, has urged the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and international trade unions confederations to do more to build the technical capacity of trade unions in South Sudan. Madam Achiro said South Sudanese trade unions were working under difficult circumstances because the country had just emerged from conflict. Madam Achiro at the same time hailed the efforts made by trade unions in re-organising themselves saying that most unions now have a presence at both the state and national levels. The Undersecretary said the Government of South Sudan has a strong will to promote trade unions in the country in accordance with Section 25 of the Transitional Constitution which lays emphasis on the freedoms of assembly and association. She added that the government was currently in the process of finalising the Labour Bill and the Trade Unions Bill which were the products of tripartite negotiations between the government, ILO, employers and the trade unions. Madam Achiro said that once enacted the two bills would help promote social dialogue and the resolution of labour disputes in the country. She noted that the enactment of the Labour Bill would also facilitate the establishment of a labour court which will specifically handle industrial disputes in South Sudan. Madam Hellen Achiro (centre) poses for a group photo with the trade unionists. She disclosed that South Sudan was now a member of the ILO having been admitted on April 13 this year. She called on the ILO to establish a fully fledged office in Juba saying this would put it in a better position to provide support in capacity building and other needs in the labour. The Undersecretary made these remarks yesterday when she received a delegation of international trade unionists from the International Trade Union Congress-Africa (ITUC-Africa), Solidarity Center and the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) at the Ministry’s boardroom. The delegation was is on a three days familiarisation tour of South Sudan Workers Trade Union Federation (SSWTU) and to acquaint itself with labour issues in the country. The delegation which was led by the Secretary General of ITUC-Africa, Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, included Mr Frederick Parry (ILO), Mr Emmanuel Nzunda (EATUC Secretary General), Mr Mamadou Diallo (ITUC-Brussels office) and Mr Claudio Francis (Finance Secretary, SSWTUF). In his opening remarks, Mr Adu-Amankwah urged the government to provide resources to the SSWTUF that will make trade unions more effective in protecting the rights and interests of workers in South Sudan. Mr Adu-Amankwah especially said the SSWTUF requires a modern office building in a good physical location which should also be equipped with information and communication technology. In response, Madam Achiro urged the unions to organise themselves and inform the government of their actual needs, adding that they should also ensure transparency in the way they manage their finances. Reported by Alnour Ango and Simon Owaka “The government is working to correct price inflations”, Dr Marial JUBA, 4 May 2012 (NASS) – The minister for Information and Broadcasting, who is also the official spokesperson of the government of the Republic of South Sudan, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin has said that the government is working to correct the unnecessary price increase in markets in the country. “The increase in prices has been artificially created; there are certain business groups within the country which are working to make sure prices go up, but the government is forming clusters to see that this exercise comes to an end”, explained the minister. He said there is no reason why the prices increase in the markets despite good marketing and commercial policies from the government. Dr Marial during the interview. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] Dr Marial said the government has enough foreign currency in the country that can bring commodities and essential needs that can satisfy the demands of the public. “We are giving nearly 50 million USD to commercial banks so as to facilitate business in the country but the money is being mismanaged”, he said. He announced that the government through the Central Bank has decided to produce letters of credit rather than giving cash to the commercial banks so that the hard currencies are not diverted for other purposes. Dr. Benjamin said this in an interview with Abu Dhabi national online newspaper on Wednesday. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) Humanitarian situation of returnees may soon worsen JUBA, 2 May 2012 - The humanitarian situation of thousands of South Sudanese returnees who are stranded in Kosti on their way to South Sudan may soon worsen after the decision of Khartoum government to block aid workers from accessing the area. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the minister for Information and Broadcasting said today that aid workers have been stopped from providing humanitarian assistance to the returnees. “We have been getting reports that nongovernmental organizations including ADRA have been prevented from delivering aid services,” he said. Dr. Marial also said food that was meant for the refugees have been taken and their movement restricted. Dr Marial addressing the press. [Photo: Matata safi] The governor of White Nile state Yusuf al-Shambali had earlier on given seven days for South Sudanese in Kosti to leave saying their presence in the area poses a security threat to the citizens of the area. The seven-day deadline expires on Friday April 5th, which is this week. According to Drs Marial, the refugees’ movement has been restricted and those who disobey the orders are threatened with arrest. He said this was a serious humanitarian situation. There are about 350, 000 South Sudanese living in makeshift shelters in Kosti awaiting a trip by barge South of the White Nile to South Sudan. The returnees are still in Kosti because the barges are owned by Khartoum and only a few have been released to facilitate their transport to the Republic of South Sudan. Reported by Matata Safi Governors urge Heglig issue be taken to International Court of Arbitration JUBA, 2 May 2012 (NASS) – The former governors of Unity state have today urged the government of the Republic of South Sudan to forward the issue of Heglig the then Panthou to the International Court of Arbitration. The governors made this call while briefing both international and local journalists on the status of the disputed Heglig. Dr Joseph Monytuil who governed Unity state from 2003-2005 said Panthou has never been part of Sudan till the end of his time when the two governments of Sudan and South Sudan signed the comprehensive peace agreement. He told the journalists that till his time Heglig (Panthou) was under Pariang County, Unity state and revenues were being collected from there for the state government. Dr Monytuil displaying a document to the journalists. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] “Heglig (Panthou) belongs to Dinka of Panaru when we were administering the state in 60s to 70s, we were collecting taxes from it. But the problem there is wealth; we encounter problem with the north, it is good that Heglig is taken for arbitration so that verdict is passed accordingly so that everybody is satisfied”, explained the predecessor Magok who administered the area from 2000-2002. Meanwhile, Hon. Michael Mayil who also administered the area from 1995 asserted Panthou was part of Unity state saying that during his time whenever there were elections people in Panthou participated fully. “Heglig is not a contested area for South Sudan, even Bashir knows this. Whenever Bashir came to Heglig he was hosted by Unity state governor. How comes that it is in northern territory while Unity state falls under South sudan”, asked the former governor. Dr Marial, the minister for Information and Broadcasting addressing the press together with the former governors. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] On the other hand one of the elders from the disputed area of Heglig, Mr. Benjamin Majak explained that Panthou is a Dinka terminology meaning balamite trees, so Heglig is only the translation of the word. Mr. Benjamin further explained that Panthou is only a small place, a Boma within Elim Payam of Pariang County Unity state. However, the three ex-governors stated that they preferred the disputed Heglig to be left for the International Court of Arbitration though they sometimes don’t implement their decisions like what happened with Abyei. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) The African Union welcomes the formal acceptance of the AU roadmap by the Republic of South Sudan ADDIS ABABA, 30 April 2012 - The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, welcomes the formal acceptance by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan of the Roadmap contained in the communiqué adopted by the 319th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), held at ministerial level, in Addis Ababa, on 24 April 2012, including the immediate cessation of hostilities with Sudan, the immediate withdrawal of its police personnel from Abyei and the resumption of negotiations. The Chairperson of the Commission commends the Government of South Sudan for responding promptly and positively to the call made by the PSC. He stresses that this important decision will greatly contribute to the efforts aimed at defusing tension between Sudan and South Sudan and facilitating the resumption, under the auspices of the AU High‐Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), of negotiations between the two countries and the early resolution of all outstanding issues in their post‐secession relations. The Chairperson of the Commission, who notes the reaffirmation by some senior Sudanese officials of their country’s commitment to cooperate with the AU‐led efforts, looks forward to the formal acceptance by the Republic of Sudan of the Roadmap, so that steps can immediately be taken towards its full operationalization. The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s determination to ensure the scrupulous implementation of all aspects of the AU Roadmap as contained in the PSC communiqué, and emphasizes the need for the Parties to extend full cooperation to this end, including the urgent convening of a meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) to address the most pressing security matters. In the meantime, he stresses the need for the Parties to refrain from any action contrary to the letter and spirit of the Roadmap and likely to further complicate the situation on the ground. GOSS to improve working conditions in South Sudan JUBA, 30 April 2012 - The Government of South Sudan is putting in place measures to ensure that decent work environment is accorded to all workers in South Sudan and that justice and dignity prevail at the workplace. In his Labour Day message to all workers in South Sudan, the Minister for Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Hon Kwong Danhier Gatluak, said the draft Labour Bill is currently being reviewed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) experts. Hon Kwong said the Labour Bill would later be forwarded to the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly for enactment into law. The minister said that once enacted, the bill would safeguard the rights and interests of workers at the workplace. “My ministry is working towards an employment administrative system not only to promote decent work for those seeking employment opportunities in the country but also to streamline employment of expatriates,” Hon Kwong said. The minister hailed the ILO for the technical support it has accorded so far to South Sudan on labour issues adding that he looked forward to increased cooperation with ILO, donors, development partners and other stakeholders in addressing the plight of workers in the country. Hon Kwong said South Sudanese workers in all sectors had made their contribution to help free the country from the evils of human bondage, adding that their courage, resilience and determination would transform the country into an affluent and prosperous nation, the ultimate dream of all South Sudanese. “On the occasion of International Labour Day, I wish to congratulate all the workers of this great nation on whose toil and sweat, the economic development of this country is dependent,” he said. And in her congratulatory message to all workers in South Sudan on the first occasion of Labour Day in the country, the Undersecretary for Labour in the Ministry, Madam Hellen Achiro Lotara, praised the immense contribution of workers to the development of the country. She said the government was aware of the many challenges faced by workers in their workplaces, adding that the government was committed to promoting better working conditions through enhanced social dialogue between workers, employers and the government. Madam Hellen said the Ministry receives on regular basis complaints revolving around working hours, unfair dismissals and overtime. She said that under labour laws any one hour done by a worker over the weekends and public holidays should be paid in the equivalent of two hours. “Together we will contribute to a better working environment and development of the nation,” she said. She said that Tuesday, May 1, 2012 would be a resting day for all workers because Labour Day is regarded internationally as a holiday. She said that because of the current austerity measures there would be no official function to mark the day. Reported by Alnour Ango and Simon Owaka "Khartoum is dodging demarcation for fear of losing contested areas", Dr Marial JUBA 30 April 2012 (NASS) - The minister for Information and Broadcasting who is the official spokesperson of the Government of South Sudan, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin has said the government in Khartoum is dodging the demarcation of borders for fear of losing the contested areas. Dr Marial said this today while briefing CCTV, the Chinese national television on the meaning of the President’s visit to China. He said these contested areas of Panthou (Heglig) and Abyei were part of South Sudan according to 1/1/1956 map. He explained that they only became disputed areas when petroleum was discovered in them in 1978. He said it is unfortunate that the government in Khartoum is up to now claiming that Heglig, then known as Panthou, as part of its territory adding that the claim is not true. He said that the name of the area and its inhabitants is Dinka. He said there is nothing that can identify this particular area as belonging to Sudan. Dr Marial reiterated that the government believes the issue of Panthou can be solved through dialogue and not war saying that war can’t solve anything. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) South Sudan actors to attend Shakespearean festival in London JUBA, 27 April 2012 (NASS) – South Sudanese cast of Cymbeline to leave for London on Shakespearean festival which has been organized to precede the forthcoming London Olympic Games in the summer of this year. This was revealed by the minister for Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr Cirino Hiteng while introducing the cast of Cymbeline to the media today. In the press conference that was organized under the theme “taking South Sudan to globe: Shakespeare from the newest nation”, the minister said the cast will be performing their play in Juba-Arabic. Dr Hiteng addressing the media. [Photo: Ajang Monychol] Dr Hiteng said South Sudan is not destined for war as news has been painting negative images about South Sudan in the past weeks but it is the northern neighbor causing that due to independence South Sudan attained last year. He as well appealed to the youth to dedicate their energies towards the building of the new nation saying that no amount of negative persuasion should discount the focus on development. According to the co-director of this performance, Mr. Joseph Abuk they selected this Cymbeline play because the story it holds resembles the current situation between Sudan and south Sudan. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) Non-oil revenues increases by 40% JUBA, 27 April 2012 (NASS) – The non-oil revenues has increased by 40% in the first quarter of this year in comparison to the first quarter of 2011, the deputy minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Marial Awou has said. Briefing the press on the progress in austerity measures, the minister said, his ministry has seen substantial increase in revenue collections since the first quarter of 2011. Dr Awou said the increase was SSP 28.501 million compared to the first quarter of 2012 which is SSP 120.213 million. He as well said the ministry of finance at the national level has reached an agreement with the states on centralized collection of taxes which ensures that states will no longer create roadblocks and checkpoints to collect taxes. The deputy minister explained that the states will only get their share from the central government based on their consumption level as from 10th of May this year. In the same conference, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of revenue collection at the international borders from taxations to customs services noting that only taxation will control internal revenues. He stressed that the directorate of customs will be the only body responsible of border revenues as from today. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) H.E Kiir: opening of RSS Embassy in Beijing signal to a new page with China BEIJING, 24 April 2012 - The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday April 24th, 2012 inaugurated the Republic of South Sudan Embassy in Beijing the capital of People’s Republic of China. That was in presence of diplomats of foreign missions accredited to the Peoples’ Republic of China. H.E Kiir opens RSS Embassy in Beijing. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] In his opening remarks, President of the Republic said the Republic of South Sudan’s Embassy in China is a signal to a new chapter for the people and the governments of the two countries. The Embassy will serve to strengthen bilateral relationship with China and South Sudan looks forward to seeing favorable development of relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries in the fields of trade, economy, technology, people to people contacts on business opportunities as well as tourism. The Republic of South Sudan’s minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial said the inauguration of South Sudan’s Embassy in Beijing as the first South Sudan Embassy to be opened by the President of the Republic outside Africa, shows the importance of the increasing role being played by China in the international affairs. New RSS Embassy in Beijing. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] Hon Nhial expressed gratitude to China for the generous financial donations which made opening of the embassy possible and to enable the embassy to be functional. Hon. Nhial also appreciated China for the capacity building support they provide to the Republic of South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as part of the overall support to the new state. The Chinese vice minister Foreign Affairs Mr. Zhang Zhijun emphasized that China is ready to provide support to the new nation of South Sudan and that the inauguration of South Sudan Embassy in Beijing sowed a seed of a strong friendship between China and South Sudan. Mr Zhang Zhijun appreciated the efforts of the young nation’s leadership in achieving a remarkable progress in national development, stability and reconciliation. Reported by Thomas Kenneth President Kiir meets his Chinese counterpart H.E Hu Jintao BEIJING, 25 April 2012 - The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday April 24th, 2012 evening at Peoples’ Great Hall in Beijing met his Chinese counterpart H.E Hun Jintao. The meeting primarily centered on the bilateral relationship with China, South Sudan’s relationship in the region including the current tensions between Juba and Khartoum and the contributions China can provide as a partner to the two disputing states to reduce the tensions between them. H.E Kiir meets his Chinese counterpart H.E Hu Jintao. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] According to the minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial, President Kiir during the meeting emphasized the position of the Republic of South Sudan to find solutions for the outstanding issues through a peaceful dialogue. H.E Kiir also said South Sudan is committed to maintain and develop the existing goodwill and friendship with China. Hon Nhial added that President Kiir appreciated President Hu Jintao for facilitating the establishment of South Sudan’s embassy in China. H.E Hu reiterated his continuous support to the Republic of South Sudan and promised to send experts in the field of Agriculture, Health, Energy and Telecommunication to South Sudan. H.E Hu also urged RSS to continue seeking peaceful resolutions on the outstanding issues for China wants the fighting to stop and settle the disputes through negotiations. President Hu said “The priority at the moment is to act in concert with international efforts and stop military conflict along the border areas”. H.E Kiir and Hu Jintao inspecting a military parade. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] The two presidents after the meeting witnessed the signing ceremony of six agreements on different developmental projects including political consultations, economic and technical cooperation. Financing for improvement of Juba International Airport and building of Juba Bridge on the River Nile and humanitarian aid were among the agreements. Reported by Thomas Kenneth “CNPC infrastructure can be compensated through oil industry in RSS”, President Kiir BEIJING, 25 April 2012 - President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit in his important visit to China met with the President of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Mr. Jiang Jiemin. The meeting narrowed the wide gap between CNPC and the government of the Republic of South Sudan. That was after the assurance made by the President to the CNPC authorities that South Sudan is not ready to export its oil again through Port Sudan, for the existing oil dispute with Khartoum besides that President El-Bashir has declared that South Sudan oil will not pass again through his territories. H.E Kiir and delegation in meeting with CNPC administration. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] President Kiir assured that the RSS is committed to maintaining and developing the existing goodwill and developmental friendship with China. He explained that the CNPC oil infrastructure can be compensated through oil industry in South Sudan. President Kiir also assured that CNPC and the interest of China in South Sudan will be protected. President Kiir welcomed Chinese oil companies to take part in the development of the alternative pipeline construction project. CNPC President Mr. Jiang Jiemin expressed gratitude for the assurance made by the President and said CNPC is ready to contribute in developing South Sudan economic resources. CNPC looks forward to establishing RSS own production facilities and restoring of the production. H.E Kiir shakes hands with Vice Premier of China Mr. Li Keqiang. [Photo: Thomas Kenneth] In another development, President Kiir addressed Peking University students in Beijing and briefed them on the existing relationship between South Sudan and China, the current oil dispute between Juba and Khartoum and how the people of South Sudan achieved their independence in July 9th, 2011. H.E Kiir also discussed the bilateral and practical cooperation between RSS and China with Vice Premier of China Mr. Li Keqiang and with Mr. Wu Bangguo, the chairman of the standing committee of the National Peoples’ Congress. Reported by Thomas Kenneth -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to SouthSudanKob@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to southsudankob+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
