Sudanese government and opposition groups welcome Machar return to Juba

April 26, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese government, Sudan Liberation Movement – Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) welcomed the return of SPLM-IO leader and South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar to Juba on Tuesday

Machar’s return is a important step towards the implementation of the peace agreement signed last August and the formation of the national unity government in Juba which includes other peace partners.

The Sudanese foreign ministry issued a statement welcoming Machar return and called on the peace parties to implement their commitments in good faith, to prioritize the interests of the country first and its people, and to take into account the consolidation of regional security and stability..

Khartoum, which was involved in the peace mediation, urged regional and international partners to continue their efforts in supporting the parties in the peace implementation process.

In statements to Sudan Tribune, SPLM-N Secretary General Yasir Arman commended the return of the First Vice President Machar to Juba.

The SPLM-N and the Sudan Call forces “welcome peace and reconciliation in the Republic of South Sudan. The South Sudanese people deserves the best because they made great sacrifices throughout their history,” Arman said.

”We hope to give them the opportunity once again to build a new country and a bright future,” he further said on Tuesday.

Also in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, SLM leader Minni Minnawi welcomed Machar arrival in Juba ending a nearly-three year armed conflict in South Sudan .

“I welcome this significant historical event and congratulate the President of the Republic of the South Sudan Mr Salva Kiir on returning stability in the beloved South Sudan,” Minnawi said.

“I hope this model will be a strong incentive and an example to be considered for achieving a lasting peace in northern part of the Sudan,” he further said.

(ST)