BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Direct negotiations on ending the conflict in South Sudan have officially begun, after representatives from both sides attended a ceremonial opening to the talks at a luxury hotel in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The negotiations are focusing on bringing about a ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.
"As we begin the talks, the delegation of the government of the Republic of South Sudan is ready to discuss ways and means that would bring a speedy end to the current armed conflict in the country. We envisage a rapid agreement of the cessation of hostilities and cease fire arrangements in order to create a conducive atmosphere for addressing outstanding political issues. Our people have suffered a lot during the struggle for our independence and they should not suffer again in our hands." said Nial Deng Nial, S. Sudan Gov’t Delegation Leader.
The negotiations are expected to get under way in earnest on Sunday, when teams representing the warring parties will hold their first face-to-face talks. The talks will focus on when and how to roll out the ceasefire that both sides have agreed to in principle. So far neither has indicated a start date.
The talks come after several days of delay. Some had feared that they had been postponed indefinitely. The run-up to the negotiations has been overshadowed by continued clashes between President Salva Kiir’s government forces and rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar. At least 1,000 people have been killed since the conflict began on December 15th. More than 180,000 have been displaced.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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