S. Korea helps nationals leave violence-hit South Sudan

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday it has been helping its nationals evacuate from South Sudan following deadly clashes in the African country.

Foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a regular press briefing that some 30 South Koreans are known to be residing in South Sudan, mostly working for U.N.-related organizations or missionary and relief groups.

Four of them left for Uganda on Wednesday, but most of them have expressed their willingness to stay.

"The foreign ministry and our embassy in Uganda, which oversees South Sudan, have been closely watching the situation since the clashes occurred and doing our best to protect our people there," Cho said.

The violence broke out earlier this month between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to Vice President Riek Machar, leaving some 300 people dead.

The Seoul government has been assisting in the arrangement of flights and purchase of plane tickets for its nationals. Three South Koreans living some 400 kilometers away from the capital Juba have said they wished to leave.

hague@yna.co.kr
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