US envoy visits South Sudan and hold talks with senior officials

JUBA - The US special envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, is visiting Juba where he will discuss ways of improving bilateral relations between the United States and Sudan.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service by phone from Juba on Monday, Walter Braunohler, the public diplomacy officer at the US embassy in Khartoum, said the envoy’s visit is also aimed at finding ways of improving the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Darfur.

“The envoy is in Juba today. He has just finished his meeting with the leader of southern Sudan, Salva Kiir and he also has several more meetings with the Government of southern Sudan and other organizations and Southern Sudan leaders in Juba, for the remainder of the day. The primary objective of the special envoy’s trip is to look, listen and learn a fuller picture about what is going on throughout a large portion of the country. We are always trying to engage with all sorts of actors throughout Sudan, whether it be officials in Khartoum, officials in Juba, people on the ground in Darfur and other areas in Sudan and to improve bilateral relations and, most specifically now, to alleviate the suffering of people in marginalized areas in this country.” Walter Braunohler said

Braunhohler said that the special envoy was also examining the humanitarian situation in the country.

“At this point, the special envoy is looking at all the alternatives to alleviate the immediate crisis situation in Darfur and throughout other marginalized regions the country. The overall purpose of this trip is observe and to have an initial survey of the situation throughout the country. We always hope to have better relations and improve the lives of people on the ground here in Sudan. The proof will be that after the conclusion of his visit in the coming weeks and months we will see in what direction we are heading.” said Walter Braunhohler

Walter Braunohler, public diplomacy officer at the US embassy in Khartoum, was speaking to Sudan Radio Service from Juba.

(SRS)