EU earmarks 285 million Euros for development projects in RSS BRUSSELS, 21 March 2012 - The President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the accompanying delegation on Tuesday 20th March, 2012, held a series of productive meetings at the EU Headquarters in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Ms. Kristina Geogieva, EU Commissioner for Development Mr. Andris Piebalgs and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Ms. Catherine Ashton.
In his meetings with the commissioners President of the Republic discussed conditions of refugees in South Sudan and he exchanged views on the developmental challenges in South Sudan. President of the Republic after that held separate meeting with President of the European Council Mr. Hermann Van Rompuy and with President of the European Commission Mr. Jose’ Manuel Barroso. The meeting discussed means of strengthening the South Sudan EU cordial relationships which began long time ago before the independence of RSS, and how best the EU and RSS can work together to ensure the viability of RSS as an independent state, and RSS also expresses desire of seeing that Republic of Sudan achieve the same viability. The meeting also focused on the role that the EU can play in resolving the tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, for the EU is in a unique position of influence due to its political relationship with both South Sudan and Sudan. In a joint press briefing between the two principals after the meeting, President of the Republic said the progress made in Addis Ababa to resolve the issues of citizenship and border demarcation is a critical first step in moving beyond the impasse that RSS has been experiencing since December. In light of this, he added, “I’ve invited President Bashir to Juba so that we can further discuss these issues and continue to negotiate with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement soon”. President Kiir announced that EU reiterated commitments for humanitarian assistance in RSS to ensure internal stability. President Kiir also announced that EU earmarked 285 million Euros for development projects in South Sudan, which will be prioritized to areas of food security, education and healthcare. President Kiir declared to the press that RSS has submitted the letter of intent to join membership of COTONOU organization, which will be beneficial to the new state and its coming generations. On his part, President of the European Council, Mr Hermann Van Rompuy said, EU with all members of the international community remains committed to support RSS to establish itself, reduce poverty, and improve healthcare. He emphasized that the EU will assist the efforts of the young nation to consolidating democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law. Besides the good progress made in Addis Ababa on citizenship and border demarcation President of the EU Council encouraged both sides to settle all the remaining issues including oil and Abyei area. Mr. Van Rompuy expressed concerns over the ongoing violence at the border areas and worsening of humanitarian situation. He called on the two sides to immediately cease hostilities and find solutions for the crisis through peaceful dialogue. Concerning the crisis of South Kordufan and Blue Nile, President of EU Council appealed to Khartoum to urgently allow access of the international humanitarian aid to those two areas, to avoid any humanitarian crisis. He also expressed concerns on the situations in Jonglei state and urged H.E Kiir to address the root cause of the clashes and restore security in the area. President of the European Commission Mr. Jose’ Manuel Barroso welcomed the decision of the RSS to join COTONOU agreement which he affirmed that will allow further mobilization for development assistance from EU for the periods of 2014 – 2020 and free marketing access with EU. Reported by Thomas Kenneth from Brussels President of the Republic in Brussels for a two-day official visit BRUSSELS, 20 March 2012 - The President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the accompanying delegation of three ministers, namely minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Nhial Deng Nhial, minister for Finance Hon Kosti Manibe and Hon. Emmanuel LoWilla, the minister in the Iffice of the President arrived yesterday evening in Brussels for a two-day visit. The visit came as a result of an invitation extended to H.E. Kiir by the European Union administration in Brussels as disclosed by the minister in the Office of the President at Juba international Airport. EU is a long-standing friend for South Sudan and EU is committed to have a strategic developmental partnership with the new born state. President of the Republic in his two-day visit to Brussels is expected to discuss development issues with top leaders of the EU and he will brief them on the general political, security and economic situations in the country. H.E Kiir will hold separate meetings with President of the European Union Commission, President of the European Council, High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and EU Commissioner for Development. President of the Republic is also expected to meet Mr. Tony Blair, former Prime minister of the UK and Founder of the Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative. Besides that he is expected to meet with President of the EU Parliament. Reported by Thomas Kenneth from Brussels – Belgium Netherlands to set up internet service provider in South Sudan JUBA, 20 March 2012 (NASS) – The Netherland telecommunication company INISI b.v. has promised to build establish an nternet service provider in south Sudan. This was announced today by the director of the company, Mr. Erik-Jan Klijn after a consultative meeting with the minister for Information and Broadcasting Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin. The minister welcomed the idea saying the government of South Sudan is even planning to change its system from the oldest style of keeping files in the cupboards to an electronic one. He also reiterated that genuine investors are what the government targets claiming that South Sudan is starting from the scratch and the territory is virgin. On the other hand, the director of the company said they will kick off the project once the green light is provided. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) -- 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 [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
