Britain, Norway, U.S. urge South Sudanese parties to form transitional gov't

The troika of Britain, Norway and the United States urged South Sudanese parties to form a transitional government on Friday, the deadline day for government and opposition representatives to forge the unity government.

"The Members of the Troika express their deep concern at delays in forming the Transitional Government of National Unity, which was due to be completed today," said a statement published by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry.

In August, South Sudan's government and the opposition signed a peace agreement that aimed to bring an end to nearly two years of conflict and both parties declared a ceasefire immediately after the signing.

Despite this, hostilities between both sides continued and South Sudan's opposition representatives only returned to the capital city Juba in December.

"Advancing implementation of the peace agreement, reviving the economy, and implementing critical reforms depend on the formation of the transitional government. The Presidential Decree establishing 28 states has created an obstacle to consensus," the troika's statement said.

"We urge all parties to make immediate efforts to resolve this impasse and to form the transitional government as soon as possible. It is time for leaders on all sides to put aside partisan bickering and prioritize the interests of the South Sudanese people," it added.

The South Sudan peace process has been supported by regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the African Union, China and the troika of Britain, Norway and the United States. Enditem