Kiir decries sanctions again but vow to engage U.S for better relations

JUBA – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has again said that the arms embargo and sanctions imposed on the world’s youngest country are hindering the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, but vowed to better relations with the United States.

The South Sudanese president made the remarks during a meeting with a group of American businessmen and former members of the US Congress in the country’s capital Juba at the presidency on Saturday.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday met a delegation from the United States of America, comprising of former congressmen and women, as well as business individuals to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and how to strengthen bilateral relations between the two Countries,” the presidency said in a statement.

Kiir said his government will engage the United States, and appreciated the role played by the world power during the liberation struggle

“In his remarks during the meeting, H.E. President Kiir said he is looking forward to engaging with the United States of America to deepen the historical bilateral relations between the two Countries,” the presidency statement said.

“The President said the United States of America stood with the people of South Sudan during the liberation struggle to achieve Independence,” it added.

Kiir told the visiting lobbyists that “If we have peace and stability, then we can smoothly achieve economic prosperity, Justice, and Liberty in the Country.”

He went on to emphasize how the arms embargo and sanctions imposed on his government are affecting the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and the prosperity of the Country.