The Foreign Affairs Minister has denied statements attributed to him terming the people of Abyei Administrative Area as Sudanese.
Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin says the Government of South Sudan cannot deny the people of Abyei, their nationality as South Sudanese, Radio Bakhita reports.
Dr Luka Biong Deng was even a minister in the Office of the President Salva Kiir, Marial argues, dismissing the statements as false.
Dr Marial also renews the denial that South Sudan government is supporting SPLM-North rebels fighting Khartoum, Sudan.
South Sudan respects the Cooperation Agreement with Sudan and both countries need stability, Marial reiterates.
The Foreign Affairs Minister says the Juba Administration will continue to dialogue with the Sudanese government on its decision to treat South Sudanese living there as foreigners.
The decision contradicts the provisions of 2012 Cooperation Agreement between the two Sudans.