The new United Nations Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan says it is important for the two countries to maintain cordial relations in the interest of internal and regional peace.  Nicholas Haysom arrived in Juba on Wednesday, on his first visit to South Sudan since his appointment in March this year.  Speaking exclusively to Radio Miraya, Mr Haysom said North-South relations are vital for regional peace.

“South Sudan and to some extent Sudan are poised on very dramatic moments in each country’s history, and you know when one is trying to deal with North-South relations, one has to recognise that the internal situations in the North and South have a dramatic impact on the capacity of both countries to interact positively, but I need to say it is up to South Sudan to resolve the insecurity that is now pervasive.”

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Nicholas Haysom takes over from Haile Menkerios who is now United Nations Special Representative to the African Union.  Mr Maysom says he has a personal commitment to effect his mandate.

Nicholas Haysom previously served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan and is in South Sudan to meet with government officials and stakeholders.