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Roundup: S. Sudan's Machar says to "imminently return to Juba"

Xinhua, March 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Sudan Vice-President Riek Machar held talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta where he expressed his willingness to return home to boost prospects of finding a political solution to the current crisis.

A statement issued Thursday from Kenyatta's office said Machar said he would imminently return to his nation's capital, Juba, even though the statement did not indicate when he would be returning.

"I will return home imminently to take up the responsibility of helping grow and rebuild our country," Machar said according to the statement.

President Kenyatta welcomed the news, saying Kenya stood ready to assist South Sudan achieve stability.

"As a neighbor and friend of South Sudan, count on my support in the restoration of peace in your country," Kenyatta said.

During the talks, Machar briefed Kenyatta on the new developments in implementation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-brokered peace agreement.

Machar thanked Kenyatta and other IGAD members for their contribution towards restoration of peace in his country.

South Sudanese president Salva Kiir reappointed Machar his deputy as part of an August 2015 peace deal, signaling hopes for an end to the two years of ethnic conflict in the youngest nation.

Meanwhile, a team of 22 generals of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)-In-Opposition arrived in Juba on Thursday, which has boosted the fragile August 2015 peace deal that paves way for the much-awaited return of Machar.

"We are proud to receive our brothers who are joining the Joint Integrated Police (JIP) to take up the security of Juba, Malakal, Bentiu and Bor towns," Minister of Information Michael Makuei told reporters after receiving the returnee rebel officials.

SPLM-IO Chief Negotiator Taban Deng Gai and UN officials said more rebel troops will be arriving soon to Juba within a few days from Kadak in Malakal.

"This is the start of the arrival of Dr.Riek Machar. It shows that Machar will be arriving in Juba any time from now," Gai said.

The government and rebels have in the past disagreed over areas of cantonment (military camp) and movement of heavy weapons, preferring the rebels be transported with light weapons.

The senior rebel officials arrived in Juba without weapons. The spokesperson of the SPLM-IO advance team William Ezekiel said it was a sign of peace returning to South Sudan.

Conflict broke out South Sudan in December 2013, which killed tens of thousands and displaced 2.3 million people from their homes. Enditem