The President of the Republic today addressed the National Legislative Assembly seeking support for last week’s decision to shut down oil production in South Sudan to stop Khartoum from diverting the crude to its refineries.
Salva Kiir Maryardit told the parliament that the Council of Minister on Friday decided to halt oil production in South Sudan and that its crude oil can no longer flow through pipelines in Sudanese territory.He said the diversion of South Sudan crude oil has disrupted revenues vital for the security and welfare of its people.
President Kiir added there is no guarantee that oil flowing through Sudan can actually reach its intended destination and that the government can no longer allow its assets being continuously looted.
The President urged the parliament to support the Council of Ministers’ decision to stop the flow of oil through Khartoum and search for alternative resources to manage government’s projects.
He said that he trusted the National Legislative Assembly to consider options that are available seriously and take appropriate measures and resolutions without delay in the best interest of South Sudan.
President Kiir added that this crisis came at the time when the country has internal challenges posed by the recent tribal conflict in Jonglei state.
He appealed to South Sudanese to endure this hard time.
President Kiir said he was confident that the young nation will emerge stronger and more united.
He added that total revenue the Sudanese government looted from South Sudan since December amounts to 815 million US dollars.