JUBA – The European Union (EU) has welcomed President Salva Kiir’s decision to return the country to its original ten states but said the parties should resolve deadlock on the newly created administrative areas before they could form unity government.
Kiir on Saturday agreed to abolish the controversial 32 states and reestablish the country’s 10 states after coming under regional and international pressure to do so.
Following that decision, opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar welcomed the return to ten states but expresses concerns over the creation of administrative areas over fear of land disputes.
In their statements this afternoon, representatives of the EU in Juba said they welcome the decision but urged the parties yo resolve other outstanding issues before or after the formation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“The Heads of Mission recognise the important decision by President Kiir on Saturday 15th February on the issue of states. This is a significant step towards the formation of an inclusive Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and towards the peace that the South Sudanese people so urgently need and so richly deserve,” the EU envoys said in their statement seen by Sudans Post.
“There remain challenges and issues that will require further discussion and agreement among the parties to the peace agreement before and after the formation of the RTGoNU. Saturday’s announcement, including the Administrative Areas, requires additional dialogue among the parties,” they added.
“Many challenges also remain with respect to the Transitional Security Arrangements. We encourage parties to engage in these discussions as soon as possible, collaboratively and with a spirit of compromise.
“We look forward to the expeditious formation of a fully inclusive RTGoNU. We are confident that the important role being played by Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, by the African Union and by their member states will continue in this regard.
“The European Union, along with Canada and Switzerland, looks forward to working with the inclusive RTGoNU to strengthen our support to the people of South Sudan for social and economic development and for the full realisation of their human rights.”
