Xi Congratulates Amedi On Assuming Office As Iraqi President

By Ameh George

Chinese President, Xi Jinping yesterday congratulated Nizar Amedi on assuming office as Iraq’s new President.

In his message, Jinping pointed out that China and Iraq, with a profound traditional friendship, have continuously enhanced their political mutual trust in recent years.

“We have always supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns.

“Bilateral cooperation in areas including energy, economy and trade has achieved positive results,” he  added.

The Chinese president noted that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Iraq relations.

He expressed his willingness to work with Amedi to advance the China-Iraq strategic partnership to new heights and bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries.

South Sudan Protests Deportation Of Nationals From Egypt, Libya, Sudan

By Ameh George

Government of South Sudan yesterday expressed concern over the alleged mistreatment and forced deportation of its nationals from Egypt, Libya and Sudan.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Thomas Elisapana, said South Sudanese citizens, including women, children, students and the elderly, have been subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment before being forcibly returned to South Sudan.

“It has been observed that a high number of South Sudanese, who have been deported so far, were subjected to harassment, arrests, detention, imprisonment and maltreatment, among others,” Kenneth told journalists in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Kenneth noted that government had formed a multi-sectoral taskforce to tackle the issue through diplomatic channels.

The task force is mandated to address the forceful deportation of South Sudanese amicably through diplomatic channels, the official said, further calling on South Sudanese citizens in these countries to be calm and respectful of the laws of those countries.