Ban welcomes decision to accept proposal on Machar’s return
April 23, 2016 (JUBA) – The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki moon on Friday welcomed South Sudan’s decision to accept the compromise proposal on the arrangements for the return of the first vice president-designate, Riek Machar to the country and expressed hope it would enable the swift formation of a unity government.
“The Secretary-General is hopeful that this will enable the swift formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity, and the full implementation of the country’s peace agreement,” said a spokesperson for the UN chief, adding that maintaining a spirit of cooperation will be crucial as the country’s leaders begin the work of reversing the years of destruction this conflict has brought upon the people of South Sudan.
According to the statement, the Secretary General now calls on Machar to return to the capital, Juba without delay and without further conditions which could jeopardise the fragile peace process and prolong the suffering of the South Sudanese people.
The Secretary General, in his statement, commended the efforts of the JMEC chairperson, former President Festus Mogae [Botswana] and of the African Union High Representative, former President Alpha Konaré [Malia], to resolve the impasse.
“He urges all regional and international partners to support actively the continued implementation of the peace agreement,” further stressed the statement.
Ki moon explained the importance of quickly establishing the Transitional Government of National Unity, which was agreed to as part of a peace agreement signed in August of last year by both South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Machar.
(ST)