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South Sudan downplays proposed sanctions by Kenyan lawmakers

Xinhua, October 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Sudan on Thursday said the proposed sanctions by Kenyan lawmakers that include asset freeze on the war-torn country's leaders does not represent the official position of President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, its spokesman said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mawien Makol Ariik told Xinhua in Juba that Kenya and regional countries were supporting South Sudan in implementing the now fragile peace agreement signed last August, in the wake of renewed July fighting between the warring parties.

"As government if there is anyone talking of sanctions I don't think this is the official position of the (Kenyan) government," Makol told Xinhua in an interview.

This came after Kenyan lawmakers from the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday threatened to impose sanctions against South Sudan leaders who are frustrating the signed peace deal.

The lawmakers said they have sponsored a motion in parliament aimed at freezing assets of South Sudanese leaders who are perpetuating conflict in Juba and stopping their families seek refuge in Kenya, where they have been accused of investing assets worth millions of U.S dollars.

"Why would you punish someone that is implementing peace? We are implementing peace with national spirit," the spokesman added.

Makol also said sanctions were uncalled for as the country seeks to salvage the peace deal after ousted First Vice President Riek Machar who leads the rebel force (SPLA-IO) was replaced by Taban Deng Gai in the transitional unity government formed mid-April in the aftermath of renewed fighting in July in the capital Juba between SPLA-IO and troops loyal to President Salva Kiir.

"I don't believe there is reason for anybody to question our ability to implement peace," Makol revealed.

South Sudan descended into deadly conflict in December 2013 after president Kiir accused his deputy Machar of plotting a coup, which the latter denied, leading to killing of tens of thousands and displacing more than 2 million from their homes. Endit