S. Sudan parties at Naivasha talks say ’95 percent of issues’ resolved

JUBA – South Sudan parties negotiating end to violence in the neighboring Kenya are reporting progress in their talks with top opposition leaders saying they have addressed 95 percent of the issues the talks are aimed to resolve.

Talks between South Sudan’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) and South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) faction led by General Paul Malong Awan, teh leader of the opposition South Sudan United Front/Army, and Pagan Amum Okiech, the leader of the Real SPLM, have been taking place in Naivasha, Kenya since Monday.

Speaking to reporters following yesterday’s session, Pa’gan Amum said almost all the issues raised have been addressed saying the latest round of talk will be concluded with a declaration of principles between the regime and the opposition alliance faction.

“I am happy to report to you that we have actually made a lot of progress. About 95 percent of issues in our agenda we have covered them and agreed on them,” the powerful opposition official said.

“We promise our people that we will leave no stone unturned until we solve all the outstanding issues so that we can have peace,” he added.

For his part, General Paul Malong said “We have been trying to find a way how we can come together and resolve our problems. So, the issue has taken us two days in Naivasha.”

Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the head of the government delegation, said: “We will do our utmost in order to bring peace to our people who have been yearning for stability.”