JUBA, September 28 (Gurtong) - The Minister of Regional Co-operation, Government of Southern Sudan, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, said on Sunday that the European Union (EU) refused to release money meant for development in Sudan.

"The European Union has not released the 350 million US dollars meant for development, recovery projects and humanitarian purposes in Sudan," Marial said "This is because the government of Sudan has not signed the cotton agreement with the European Union."

The Minister, speaking shortly after arrival in Juba, explained in depth the issues.

"The authorities in the EU have understood the fact that the signing of the cotton agreement was by the Government of National Unity, so the funds of the Government of Southern Sudan cannot be held hostage because of the failure by Government of National Unity in signing the cotton agreement," Benjamin assured the people that "We have agreed that the portion of the funds which was meant for Southern Sudan will definitely be considered for
release."