Peace agreement in South Sudan encouraging
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
News story | Date: 27/08/2015 | Last updated: 28/08/2015
'It is encouraging that the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, yesterday signed the peace agreement with the opposition in South Sudan. Let us hope that this will bring an end to the tragic conflict, which has lasted for 20 months. I expect all parties to comply with the whole peace agreement, as it has now been negotiated. We cannot accept any attempts to opt out of parts of the agreement,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
The peace agreement was negotiated under the leadership of the regional organisation IGAD, and signed by the parties to the conflict at the IGAD Summit in Addis Ababa on 27 August.
'All the parties to the conflict must immediately stop the fighting and bring an end to the suffering of the people of South Sudan. It is now that the really difficult work begins. South Sudan faces enormous challenges, and if the agreement is to be implemented, all parties to the conflict – as well as regional and international partners – must show a willingness to take decisive action. The next step is to establish a transitional government, in which the opposition is also represented. Norway will assist South Sudan in this work and in the long-term reconstruction efforts after the conflict, which has been so devastating for this young country,' said Mr Brende.