July 28, 2013 (JUBA) - The South Sudanese army confirmed on Sunday that the repeatedly delayed and long awaited joint security meeting with counterpart from neigbouring Sudan will take place on Monday.
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- SPLA spokesman Phillip Aguer (Reuters)
“Yes, it is true there will be a joint security meeting between the commands of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the representatives of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). It will be co-chaired on our side by Major General Mac Paul and possibly director of intelligence and security service on the side of the government of Sudan," SPLA spokesman Colonel Phillip Aguer told Sudan Tribune on Sunday.
"We have not yet received the names but the meeting is planned for tomorrow,” he added.
The military official said the agenda includes discussion on how to handle accusations which the two sides have traded over their roles in the alleged support, including providing a safe haven for rebels fighting to destabilise or wanting to depose existing governing party in power on both sides of the borders.
“The agenda of the meeting will discuss how to handle accusations and counter accusations which the two sides have been exchanging over allegations that each side provide support to the rebels fighting to destabilize or try to remove the other party in power. On our side we have said time and again we do not provide any support to any armed groups but the other side continues to make unfounded claims. It is not our interest to destabilize any country”, Aguer explained.
The issue of rebel support has prompted Sudan to announce last month that it will close the pipelines carrying oil from landlocked South Sudan by August 7th.
At the request of the African Union and China, Sudan agreed to extend the deadline by two weeks.
(ST)