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With South Sudan at crossroads, Ban urges parties to reaffirm commitment to peace

Xinhua, September 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called on all parties in South Sudan to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the peace agreement signed last month, including by immediately halting military operations and forming the Transitional Government of National Unity.

Speaking at a High-level Meeting on South Sudan, held on the margins of the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary-General noted that it is "a pivotal moment" in the history of the world's youngest nation.

"The road ahead will be difficult," said Ban. "I urge the signatories to honour their solemn commitment and implement the agreement without delay. Reverting to war yet again cannot be an option."

"I call on the parties to immediately cease all military operations and form the Transitional Government of National Unity to which they have agreed. The parties must also provide unfettered access to those in need of urgent humanitarian assistance," said Ban.

The security situation in South Sudan has deteriorated steadily since political in-fighting between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and former Vice President Riek Machar, and their respective factions, erupted in December 2013.

"The conflict that broke out in December 2013 dashed the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for a brighter future. It shattered the optimism of the international community. Thousands of lives have been lost in a senseless conflict," said Ban.

"When the parties signed the peace agreement last month, they created a new window of opportunity," he said. "South Sudan's leaders have a chance to correct their grave mistakes and focus on the well-being of those who entrusted them with this role -- the people of South Sudan."

The secretary-general reaffirmed UN's support. "The United Nations will continue to stand by the people of South Sudan. We are ready to support implementation of the agreement and will continue to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance," he said.

Moreover, he called on "the international community to provide economic assistance to South Sudan," and "the leadership of South Sudan to voluntarily declare a halt to the import of heavy arms and equipment."

Concluding his speech, Ban appealed to "all partners to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to accompany South Sudan along the path to peace, recovery and reconciliation."

The hostilities ignited in December 2013 subsequently descended into a full-fledged conflict, resulting in reported atrocities and possible war crimes, according to the UN Enditem