By RIA Novosti,
Beijing : Sudan will deploy security officers to protect foreign oil workers following the killing of five Chinese nationals on Monday, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Nine Chinese oil workers were kidnapped in central Sudan a week ago, and five were killed execution-style on Monday. Sudan says two escaped, and two are still in captivity.
“Sudanese security forces will do everything possible to ensure the safety of oil workers and staff of other foreign companies on Sudan’s territory,” Ali Sadiq told the Sudan News Agency.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has blamed the Justice and Equality Movement, a Darfur rebel group, for the kidnapping and killings. The group has denied involvement.
The workers were taken near an oil field where they were working for a consortium led by the China National Petroleum Corporation.
Beijing has condemned the killings, but said the incident will not affect China’s work in Sudan. China is Sudan’s largest foreign investor.