Kiir criticises Sudan’s decision to close pipeline

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has criticised the recent decision issued by the Sudanese government to close the pipeline that transfers his country’s oil. He described the decision as a "violation" to the international agreement concluded between the two countries under the African Union and United Nations. Kiir added that his country did not receive any formal decision from the Sudanese government nor the African Union about the closure of the pipeline. During a press conference held in the South Sudanese capital of Juba, Kiir stated that the consecutive Sudanese governments have "violated their agreements with South Sudan" since Sudan’s independence in 1956. He expressed astonishment that Sudanese president announced "Jihad" stressing that they are "not in war against with Sudan." However, Salva Kiir stressed that his country will defend its territories if "faced with any attacks." The South Sudan president accused the Sudanese government of "providing support to militias fighting against his country." Kiir has called on Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir to conduct a dialogue to help find a solution for the current problems witnessed in his country, expressing his readiness to "help Sudan reach a peaceful solution with the armed movements fighting against the Sudanese government."