US, UK, Norway welcome Kiir-Machar decision to form state, local gov’ts

JUBA – The Troika countries have welcomed Wednesday’s decision by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, to go ahead with the formation of state and local governments despite the dispute which is still pending over General Johnson Olony Thabo, Machar’s nominee for Upper Nile state, opposed by Kiir.

On Wednesday, South Sudan’s parties to the revitalized peace agreement broke the stalemate on formation of states governments and reconstitution national assembly.

The decision was reached at a meeting convened by President Salva Kiir in Juba in the presence of the First Vice President, Riek Machar.

“The president’s objective of the meeting was to discuss the establishment of states and local governments. After a cordial lengthy deliberation, the meeting resolved that the president appoints the state and local government of nine states, except that of Upper Nile,” said Cabinet Affairs minister, Martin Elia Lomuro.

“The meeting also resolved that the president proceeds to establish the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States”, he added.

According to the minister, the Transitional Government of Nation Unity (TGoNU) would hold a national conference in Juba for all communities of Upper Nile State to discuss ways and means of ending tribal differences in the state, prior to the final decision on the appointment of their governor.

Meanwhile, Stuart Symington, the U.S special envoy said representatives of the TROIKA nations pledged to support the peace process in South Sudan.