The United Nations Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS said it declined Inter-governmental Authority on Development or IGAD Special Envoys’ request to air lift SPLM/A in Opposition delegates to attend their consultative conference in Pagak.
In a statement CRN obtained on Friday, UNMISS Spokesperson Joseph Contreras said the Mission declined IGAD’s request in writing on November 19, citing security and practical reasons after receiving the request letter dated November 17, 2014.
The statement added that the national Foreign Ministry wrote to IGAD Special Envoys’ that the government had no objection to the transportation facilitation for Opposition leaders from Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei States to Pagak for their consultations.
The Spokesperson said the Mission sent a formal communication to the government that it would not be in position to transport the Opposition delegates.
The Mission reiterated its full support for the IGAD-led peace process and that it would continue to implement its mandate in an impartial manner.