Welcoming New Steps towards Forming Transitional Government in South Sudan, Secretary-General Urges Leaders to Maintain Spirit of Cooperation

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the decision of the Government of South Sudan to accept the compromise proposal on the arrangements for the return of First Vice-President-designate Riek Machar.  This was developed through the efforts of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee along with regional and international partners.

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.  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.

The Secretary-General now calls on First Vice-President-designate Riek Machar to return to Juba without delay and without further conditions, which could jeopardize the fragile peace process and prolong the suffering of the South Sudanese people.

The Secretary-General commends the efforts of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee Chairperson, former President Festus Mogae and of the African Union High Representative, former President Alpha Konaré, to resolve the impasse.  He urges all regional and international partners to support actively the continued implementation of the peace agreement.