South Sudan has apologized to the United Nations for the alleged harassment of their staff based in South Sudan, by members of the organized forces.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned what he says is harassment and threats against UN staff.

He called on the South Sudanese government to protect UN operations in the country.

Mr. Ban gave detailed accounts to the UN Security Council of physical assaults, arrest and detention of UN staff and seizure of UN vehicles by soldiers and police between May and November this year.

Speaking to Eye Radio today, UNMISS spokesperson Ariane Quentier said a report concerning all violations on UN operations in the country was presented to the Security Council on Monday.

“A lot of things have been mentioned in this report; good things and bad things,” she explained. “Ms. Johnson had to mention a number of violations of the statute of force agreement that is binding UNMISS with the government of South Sudan.

“And she expressed dismay which is relayed by the Secretary General about a far too big number of violations that have taken place in South Sudan against U-N staff in the last month.”

South Sudan’s Ambassador to the UN, Francis Deng told members of the Security Council that the government has issued order to hold accountable those involved in the violations against UN in the country.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreigner Affairs, Ambassador Mawien Makol said the government accepts the responsibility to instruct its organized forces not to interfere with the work of the UN.

“We are really apologizing for any inconveniences that might have taken place. We are actually having some kind of -what they call – joint meeting with our government and other NGOs to be able to work with us in regards to training and other things to our police,” said Mr. Mawien.

“You know this is a new nation and we have to struggle for us to be able to do things right. I think there are mistakes that can take place, but those mistakes can also be corrected.”

UN Secretary General Special Representative to South Sudan, Hilde Johnson told the General Assembly that the UN should enhance its support towards South Sudan in order to consolidate peace and build a foundation of democracy and the respect for fundamental human rights.

Madam Hilde said the UN cannot afford to see South Sudan fail in its nation building efforts.