Juba reaffirms opposition to deployment of UN peacekeepers

KHARTOUM, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- South Sudan Taban Deng on Monday reiterated the stance of his government against the UN Security Council Resolution 2304 providing for the deployment of additional peace-keeping troops in the country.
The resolution constitutes a flagrant infringement on the sovereignty of South Sudan, Deng told reporters at the end of his visit to Sudan.
He cast doubts on the mandate of the UN peacekeepers, saying: "We want to know whether they will protect civilians or conduct patrols or guard the government facilities." "The Resolution mandates the peacekeepers to run Juba airport. And question is, which government could accept hand its airports over to foreign troops?" he wondered.
Under the Resolution, nearly 4,000 peacekeepers will join a 12,000-strong mission in the country in the wake of civil strife and political unrest which have resulted in the desplacement of nearly two million people since 2013. (end) hha.gb