Ambassador Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth Diplomatic Tour To Australia Wrap up

By Gatluak Puok Puoch,

Press Release

Sept 23, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — The SPLM Deputy Chairman for External Affairs, Mr Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth and his team, has concluded their diplomatic visit in Australia successfully.

Mr Gatkuoth was accompanied on his visit to Australia by the Chairman of SPLM Educational Committees and Member of Peace Negotiations in Addis Ababa, Mr Stephen Par Kuol and the Opposition’s Representative to the United Nation, Mr Miyong Kuon.

Mr Gatkuoth and his team arrived on 4 September 2014 in the country, purposely to inform in detail the South Sudanese and the International Community in the Southern Hemisphere about the root causes of the current civil war, which resulted in total crippling of the social fabric of the Republic of South Sudan.

The war has shocked and dismayed many friends and well-wishers, who had heavily advocated and strongly contributed to the young nation attaining her independence from its predecessor, North Sudan, after long and bitter 21 years of war.

Mr Gatkuoth and his team were highly and successfully received by the Australian Government, South Sudanese Australians, Faith Base groups and local business groups.

On 15 September 2014, the Dinka Community in Melbourne had warmly welcomed Mr Gatkuoth and his team and expressed their deep regret on his imprisonment and strongly condemned Mr Kiir’s extermination of Ethnic Nuer and destructions to social fabrics of the young nation.

On 8 September 2014, Mr Gatkuoth met with the Australian authorities at both Federal and States levels and had productive meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Capital of the nation-Canberra.

Accompanied by the SPLM’s newly appointed Country Coordinator, Comrade Aguer Rual and the SPLM Chapters’ leaderships in different states of Australia, Mr Gatkuoth has discussed in deep with the Foreign Affairs about the major causes of the current ‘shameless’ war in the Republic of South Sudan and advises them of the SPLM’s position in the current ongoing peace negotiations in Addis Ababa.

Mr Gatkuoth has explained the SPLM’s position as a complete transformation of the new nation’s governing system ‘once and for all’.

Mr Gatkuoth thanked the Australian government for its roles in committing to securing peace in the country; urged them to support the formation of the Republic of South Sudan’s interim government without President Salva Kiir as a head of the state.

Amb. Lol requested them to ensure security sectors, justice and judiciary organs are reformed; ensure Australian Government supports the amendment of the national constitution and encouraged them to join the South Sudanese and the International Community who are currently calling for justice on Mr Kiir and his associates who were responsible for the massacre of Ethnic Nuer in the nation’s capital Juba on 15 December 2013.

Mr Gatkuoth has held several meetings with many donors encouraging, them to mobilise humanitarian assistances and provide support to the internally displaced persons who are currently confined to UNIMISS camps in the country.

Mr Gatkuoth and his team had travelled to most states in Australia, warmly received, had faith based group and well wishers held prayers on their behalf and gave thanks to God for his release from Mr Kiir’s dark prison.

Mr Gatkuoth praised Dr Riek Machar’s quest, determination and commitment to realising peace and freedom for all South Sudanese. Mr Gatkuoth praises the South Sudanese Community for their support and rally in condemnation of Kiir’s fabricated Coup D’état and thanked the International Community for pressuring Mr Kiir and his regime to secure their release.

In his pledge to uniting the young nation, Mr Gatkuoth urged the South Sudanese nationals to embrace changes, realise the important of exercising freedom of expression and calls for them to exercise their constitutional rights as citizens of the Republic of South Sudan.

Mr Gatkuoth referred to the incident of the 15 December 2013 as a matter instigated by President Kiir and his tribal loyalists, hand-up inner circles and spin doctors intentionally to suppress the Former Vice President, Dr Machar’s constitutionals rights of running for presidency.

Mr Gatkuoth strongly condemned Mr Kiir’s actions, dictatorial tendencies and denial of accepting the responsibility as the president of the republic.

Mr Gatkuoth has called for Mr Kiir’s resignation if he believes in the nation’s interest.

Mr Gatkuoth and his team have departed from Australia, confident and thankful for the warm receptions they received from South Sudanese and Australian government.

Author: SPLM Australia Chapters Coordinator,

Comrade Gatluak Puok Puoch