Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the Summit between the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan in Addis Ababa

Brussels, 4-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

“The High Representative welcomes the holding of a Summit today between the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan in Addis Ababa in a further effort to address outstanding post-secession issues between the two countries.

The High Representative applauds the continued engagement of former President Mbeki and the efforts made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to bring the parties together. Reports of renewed fighting in the volatile border area demonstrate the urgent need to put border security mechanisms in place, including a Safe Demilitarised Border Zone and the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mission, in line with what has already been agreed.

The High Representative urges both Parties to proceed without delay with full implementation of all the agreements signed on 27 September 2012 and to address decisively other outstanding issues related to Abyei and borders, in accordance with the communiques issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 24 October and 14 December 2012.”

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FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 – +32 2 299 97 80 – Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 – Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
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