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South Sudan Criticizes US Recall of Ambassador

Waakhe Simon Wudu

   JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - The South Sudanese government said Wednesday that
   it was disappointed with the State Department's decision to recall the
   U.S. ambassador to the country.
   Ambassador ThomasHushekwas recalled Monday in what was widely viewed as
   a signal of Washington's displeasure over South Sudan's failure to meet
   an extended deadline for forming a unity government, a critical
   component of a peace deal aimed at ending a bloody five-year civil war
   in theeight year-oldnation.

   South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokespersonMawienMakolcalled
   the U.S. diplomatic move "a double standard," adding that South Sudan's
   president and opposition party had agreed that "outstanding issues [in
   the peace process] have to be given time."
   Makolsaid Washington's message to South Sudan had been that "peace
   should be done inclusively" and that "all stakeholders to the peace
   must agree to the implementation of the peace."
   The State Department has confirmed the recall ofHushekfor
   consultations.
   Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted criticism of
   South Sudan's failure to form a unity government, adding: "The U.S.
   will reevaluate its relationship with the Government of South Sudan
   &work to take action."

   Plea for support

   South Sudan is urging the Trump administration to reconsider its
   position "and to come back on board and support this country,"Makoltold
   South Sudan in Focus, adding that President SalvaKiirneeded support
   from "longtime partners like the United States" and that Washington's
   stance "does not help the [bilateral] relations."
   "[T]he people of South Sudan support the extension of the 100 days [for
   forming a unity government],"Makolsaid.
   A second extension of the pre-transitional period was approved by
   parties to South Sudan's revitalized peace deal earlier this month. The
   Trump administration warned it would sanction anyone blocking the road
   to peace in the country.

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