South Sudan’s ambassador to Ethiopia has categorically dismissed reports suggesting that his country had accepted a request from Egypt to build a military base in Pagak county.
Briefing journalists on Thursday, James Pitia Morgan, assured Addis Ababa that his country will not be part of anything that could harm Ethiopia.
Morgan’s remake came following information shared on social media that South Sudan had agreed to provide a plot of land to Egypt for the building of a military base in Pagak county to launch attacks against Ethiopia’s mega dam which is being constructing on the Nile.
“The information is completely false,” he told local journalists.
“The information is shared by groups who have interest to undermine the existing cooperation between the two countries,” the ambassador claimed.
Ethiopia always stands in solidarity with South Sudan even in a difficult times, the ambassador said, adding “we the people of South Sudan will never forget this contribution.”
He added: “If any force intends to attack Ethiopia via South Sudan, it will first face the people of South Sudan”.
He said South Sudan fully respects Ethiopia’s rights to utilize its natural resources within its territory.
Ambassador Morgan is confident that Ethiopia will address its problem through dialogue.
In any case, South Sudan will rally alongside Ethiopia, he said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also rejected the reports stating categorically that they are unfounded.
MG/abj/APA