Ethiopia rubbishes reports South Sudan wants change of peace talk venue

ADDIS ABABA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia denounced on Thursday reports that South Sudan government has requested for change of peace talk venue as "fake news."

Ethiopia has been the main base for peace talks between forces loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his ex-deputy Riek Machar ever since civil war broke out in December 2013.

Speaking to Xinhua, Meles Alem, Spokesperson for Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), said his country has received a letter from South Sudanese government assuring its continued desire for Ethiopia to host South Sudan peace talks.

"The letter also thanked the Norway, United States, UK, China and in general IGAD member states for their continued support for the peace process and affirmed South Sudan's government commitment to the ongoing peace talks" Alem said.

The response from Ethiopia came after several south Sudanese media outlets ran stories on Monday alleging South Sudan government is seeking a change of venue for peace talks, citing Ethiopia's recent political instability.

Ethiopia declared martial law on February 16, after persistent protests, strikes and ethnic clashes, particularly in its two most important regional states Oromia and Amhara. Enditem