Government of Southern Sudan
Liaison Office - Brussels

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Memorial service for the slain USAID personnels
Thu, January 24 2008
By office of the Ministry of Regional Cooperation [Juba, South Sudan]
The US consulate within Juba, Southern Sudan held a memorial service in honor for the slain USAID staff yesterday evening at the compound of the US consulate General. Mr John Granville and Mr Abdelrahman Abbas were both gunned down by an unknown assailant whilst heading home shortly after midnight on new years day in Khartoum.

During the Memorial; speeches were delivered by a number of USAID and State Department officials including the US Consul General to Southern Sudan Mr. Christopher J. Datta who read a message from the US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice on the tragic incident that robbed them from carrying out their duties in the light of the US governments commitment to work for a better unified Sudan.

On behalf of the President of the Government of Southern Sudan, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the entire cabinet and the people of Southern Sudan the Minister of Regional Cooperation Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin released a message of sympathies for the family of the slain and also a message of solidarity between the US and Sudan. H.E Dr. Barnaba mentioned that Both Mr. Granville and Mr. Abbas died in the cause to work for a better Sudan. Mr. Granville had been in Nuba Mountains, Southern Blue Nile and more importantly in many parts of Southern Sudan.

"…please except on behalf of the government of southern Sudan our sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic event, USAID and the Government of the United States of America……we see the murders of Mr. Granville and Mr Abbas as criminal and barbaric acts……and we would like to make clear our position in fighting against terrorism and any organized crimes against humanity…."

In attendance were the Ministers from the Government of Southern Sudan and many friends, colleagues, and families of the deceased paying their respects. A condolence book for both Mr Abbas and Mr. Granville was available before and after the service, that will then be delivered to their families in Khartoum and New York following the ceremony.

 

 

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