UN Reiterates Importance of Inclusive Peace Process Ahead Of South Sudan Talks
New York, Feb 10 2014 - Released detainees from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) must be part of the
national political dialogue in South Sudan, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country reiterated today as
anti- and pro-Government representatives prepare to meet for a new round of peace talks.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) “underscores the necessity of the national political dialogue to continue without
delay to reach a comprehensive peace agreement, with the participation of all South Sudanese political and civil society
representatives,” a UN spokesperson told journalists in New York.
Anti and pro-Government forces are expected to meet today in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. The two sides signed
a ceasefire last month following peace talks mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), leading
to a relative lull.
Over the weekend, UNMISS facilitated the travel of an IGAD needs assessment team to Malakal, some 600 kilometres north
of the capital Juba in the oil-bearing state of Upper Nile. The team travelled to move forward on a Monitoring and
Verification Mechanism, part of the cessation of hostilities agreement, and to meet with IGAD officials. Earlier today,
an IGAD team also visited Bor in Jonglei State, a UN spokesperson confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Mission continues its military and police patrols in locations around the country. In Nassir, in Upper
Nile state, the Mission reports the situation to be volatile. The Mission has received reports of fighting between the
SPLM and anti-government forces in Thorgwang in Manyo County.
In Bor, Jonglei State, the Mission notes that some government officials have begun returning to the town, as have
civilians, but in limited numbers.
Thousands of people are believed to have been killed and more than 870,000 others have fled their homes since fighting
broke out on 15 December between the forces of President Salva Kiir and deputy president Riek Machar, 75,000 of them
seeking refuge on 10 UN bases throughout the country.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS