Sudan backs deployment of protection force in S. Sudan

Sudan on Tuesday declared its support for deployment of a regional protection force to prevent any military acts in South Sudan.

According to a press release by Sudan's foreign ministry Tuesday, Sudan reiterated readiness to continue its efforts with the countries of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development in Africa (IGAD) to achieve peace in South Sudan.

"Realization of peace in South Sudan is associated with peace in Sudan," Abdul-Ghani Al-Naeem, Sudan's foreign ministry under-secretary, was quoted in the press release as saying.

He called for involving all parties in the peaceful process, reiterating his country's support for deployment of the regional protection force in South Sudan.

Al-Naeem urged the international community to continue efforts to consolidate peace in South Sudan and revive the current peace deal which he said "gives hope for bringing the South Sudanese rivals together."

He further stressed Sudan's determination to continue receiving the South Sudanese citizens and providing them with all possible support.

Last July, the UN Security Council decided to deploy a regional protection force, within the context of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), following violent clashes between South Sudan government army and fighters loyal to the opposition leader Riek Machar.

Machar, who fled South Sudan following the clashes, demands deployment of the protection force as a condition to return to Juba, capital of South Sudan. Endit