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Lavrov sees grounds for settling Khartoum/Juba conflict

Due to the development of the situation the U.N. Security Council “intends to discuss further steps towards the settlement of the conflict”, Lavrov stressed

MOSCOW, April 30 (Itar-Tass) — There are grounds for settling the conflict between Khartoum and Juba, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

After the talks with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti on Monday, Lavrov said this issue aroused deep concern from the international community, including the U.N. Security Council and the African Union.

“We are convinced that a statement by the U.N. Security Council chairman, who formulated his requirements to the warring parties, is the basis for ceasing the escalation of tension. The compliance with the statement will make it possible to start the talks between Khartoum and Juba,” Lavrov stressed.

“First of all, Russia insisted on the immediate withdrawal of troops from the Heglig area. This demand was satisfied and it helped defuse the situation,” the Russian minister said. “It is also important to implement other points: to stop military actions and provocations, to give up military rhetoric and the interference into internal affairs,” he added.

In his words, Sudan is ready to begin realising the resolution if Juba meets the U.N. demands.

Due to the development of the situation the U.N. Security Council “intends to discuss further steps towards the settlement of the conflict”, the Russian minister stressed. The adoption of the resolution will not envisage completing the mediation mission by the African Union, which plays a key role in this aspect, Lavrov noted.

He reiterated that the resolution “does not envision the use of force”. At the same time, Lavrov said, “Economic influence is possible.”

“The U.N. Security Council formulated its requirements towards the parties and their implementation allowed Khartoum and Juba to start talks,” the Russian foreign minister said. He urged both sides to carry out the resolutions of the U.N. Security Council.

Sudan and its neighbour – the Republic of South Sudan – are at war with each other. Juba says the disputable territory, Herlig, where about 115,000 barrels of oil is produced daily, is part of the southern republic. According to the spokesman for the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, “Khartoum is resolute to resist the aggression.”

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