S. Sudan regrets withdrawal of top US diplomat, accuses Washington of double standards in its affairs

November 26, 2019 Newsbeat, South Sudan, USA

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit (Photo:Supplied)

Nov 26th, 2019 (SSNN)-South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued a statement expressing regret at the State Department’s decision to recall its Ambassador for further consultations on the recent extension of the pre-transitional period.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan regrets the decision of the State Department to recall its Ambassador to South Sudan, at a time where South Sudan expects the region and the international community to positively engage the parties signatory to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). As it pertains to the position of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan regarding the extension. H.E, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has been consistently on record about his commitment to the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) on 12 November, 2019,” the Ministry said.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry accused the United States of double standards in South Sudan’s internal affairs.

“The President has never asked for an extension of the pre-transitional period. While the US State Department called for the formation of R-TGONU on time, they have consistently made contradictory statements in that regard. In an official statement, the State Department warned the Government of the Republic of South Sudan that any unilateral decision to form the R- TGONU will not be welcomed. They further urged the President to form an inclusive government of all the parties, specifically stating that a government cannot be formed without Dr. Riek Machar Teny.”

The Government of South Sudan regretted remarks in which the United States Secretary of State described South Sudan’s leaders as unsuitable and incapable of leading the nation.

“It is unfortunate that Mr. Mike Pompeo, the United States Secretary of State questioned the suitability of our Head of State, an act that is regrettable and in total disregard of the norms of diplomatic practices The initial request for extension was by Dr. Riek Machar.”