North, south Sudan armies express commitment to protect oil production areas during, after referendum

Armies of north and south Sudan on Thursday vowed to protect oil production areas during and after south Sudan referendum and expressed commitment not to support any armed activities targeting north or south Sudan.

"It has been confirmed on the previous directives to protect the oil production areas during and after the referendum," Gen. Ahmed Abdalla al-Naw, spokesperson of the Joint Defense Council, which brings together the Joint Integrated Units of north and south Sudan armies, told reporters following a meeting for the council here today.

"Even if the referendum resulted in separation of south Sudan, the joint forces will work for sometimes to secure the oil fields and the operating companies there according to an agreement between the commanders of the Sudanese army and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA)," he added.

He further explained that the council's meeting agreed on not to support any military acts by any rebel groups targeting north or south Sudan, saying that "the two sides expressed their commitment not to support any military activities."


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