SOUTH SUDAN TALKS BACK ON AFTER HICCUPS

Addis Ababa, 29 Jumadil Akhir 1435/29 April 2014 (MINA) – The IGAD mediated third round of talks between the warring sides in South Sudan has resumed in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.In a statement on Monday, IGAD said the talks which were adjourned on April 7, for consultations resumed, following the arrival of all sides to the conflict.

IGAD Special Envoys had held a series of consultations with the principals of the warring parties, Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan and Dr. Riek Machar former Vice President and leader of the SPLM/A in an effort to fast-track the negotiation process and to avert further escalation of the conflict.

The envoys also conducted a series of shuttle missions to regional capitals and held consultations with leaders of IGAD countries as well as the African Union, the United Nations and partners to mobilize support for the mediation process and the unhindered operations of its Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM).

IGAD said it was keen to expedite the deployment of a proposed regional protection force in the country, Star Africa quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The talks resumes days after the government in Juba dropped the treason charges against four political prisoners detained since the outbreak of fighting in December.

Former SPLM Secretary-General Pagan Amum, ex-National Security Minister Oyai Deng, Ambassador Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth and ex-Deputy Defense Minister Majak d’Agoot were charged with an attempted coup, a charge they denied.

The four who were among 11 suspects arrested in connection with the coup remained in detention after seven were freed.

South Sudan has witnessed renewed violence in some parts of the country where more than 200 people mostly women and children were reportedly killed. (T/P09/E01).

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).