Secretary-General, Expressing Support for Security Council’s South Sudan Resolution, Urges Parties to Compromise on Power-Sharing Agreement

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

As the 5 March deadline set by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation for the conclusion of the South Sudan negotiations approaches, the Secretary-General strongly urges President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar to show leadership, put the well-being of South Sudanese ahead of all other interests, and make the necessary compromises to conclude a power sharing agreement that paves the way for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in South Sudan.

The Secretary-General takes note of the unanimous passage of resolution 2206 (2015) by the Security Council this morning, establishing a sanctions regime on South Sudan.  He reminds both parties that the best way to avoid the enactment of actual sanctions by the Security Council is to strictly adhere to the Cessation of Hostilities agreement of 23 January 2014, fully comply with International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, extend their full cooperation to United Nations and humanitarian personnel in the discharge of their mandates and duties, and conclude a Comprehensive Peace Agreement that places South Sudan back on the path to stability and prosperity.

He commends and supports the efforts of the region to facilitate a conclusion of the negotiation process.