Kiir backs deal with Sudan despite protests

Minister of Defence General Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein Khartoum - Abed Algayoum Ashmeag   Minister of Defence General Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein supported the cooperation agreement between Sudan and South Sudan because he believes it will encourage peace between both countries. General Hussein explained that \"cutting the relations and links between the State of South Sudan and the rebellious movements of Sudan\'s South Kordofan and Blue Nile provinces would result in a peaceful political solution for both states.\"
These remarks came during the graduation ceremony of the defence college in Omdurman, Khartoum, were Sudan’s President Omar Bashir was present.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir said on Monday he would not accept another war with Khartoum over issues which can be addressed by dialogue.
Kiir\'s comments come amidst growing civil unrest after the Juba and Khartoum agreement was signed on September 27.
Police used live rounds in the streets of Juba to break up protests on Monday. Demonstrators, predominantly from Bahr el-Ghazal region, are angered by the decision to give parts of their land to Khartoum.
However, Kiir said the agreement with Khartoum does not give them South Sudan\'s land but is a way to resolve disputes between both countries.
The agreements main purpose was to allow for oil exporting to resume in Sudan, he added. South Sudan halted oil production in January due to disputes with Khartoum over transit fees.
South Sudan announced on October 5 that a committee would be formed to educate government officials and the civil population on the agreements reached with Khartoum.