FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Delayed Implementation of Agreements by Sudan and South Sudan
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson,
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 19, 2012The United States is increasingly concerned about the delays in implementation of the historic agreements signed in Addis Ababa by Sudan and South Sudan on September 27. The Sudanese and South Sudanese people deserve swift and complete implementation of these agreements, as called for in the October 24 African Union Peace and Security Council communique.
The creation of the safe demilitarized border zone between the two countries is vital to ensure that both countries honor their commitments to cease support to proxies and, most importantly, prevent inter-state conflict. We are concerned that no progress was made at the November 6-7 Joint Political and Security Mechanism meeting between the two parties, and we call on Sudan and South Sudan to immediately reconvene and recommit themselves to the September 27 agreements. Allowing this unresolved issue to impede implementation of the other agreements threatens the stability of both countries.
We are also disappointed by delays in the resumption of oil production. This denies much needed revenue to both economies, and we urge both parties to resume production while they work to resolve other bilateral issues and, along with the African Union, urgently stand-up the Petroleum Monitoring Committee.
