Ateny Wek Ateny: The letter to New York Times is from my office

South Sudanese presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny confirmed to SBS Dinka Radio that the opinion piece published in the New York Times was from his office. Ateny said that he had explained his intention to President and his deputy before submitting the letter to the newspaper. The letter calls for the international community to drop their support for the proposed Hybrid Court which was meant to investigate war crimes. The letter generated more criticism from the families of those affected. In an exclusive interview with SBS Dinka Radio Ateny said, “The letter published in the New York Times was an opinion from my office the presidential spokesperson. Before this letter was written, I shared the direction that I was taking with both leaders but none of them read the final article published. As the official spokesperson I have the legal mandate to write on behalf of the presidency (President Kiir and Vice President Riek) if it is something that can help. I have a legal authority to write this article as per my job description in the constitution.” The office of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar denied their participation or even having knowledge about the existence of the letter. Here is the interview.

President Kiir and his two deputies Source: BOFASS