Brussels, 17/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Monday 20 January, the 28 EU ministers for foreign affairs will discuss the seriousness of the situation in South Sudan, where fighting continues between the supporters of President Salva Kiir and those of former vice-president, Riek Machar - while the peace talks between the government in Juba and the armed rebellion stumble over the release of prisoners held in Juba (see EUROPE 10991). The EU ministers are due to express their serious concern on Monday about the worsening humanitarian situation and the massive violations of human rights.
The conclusions that the Council will adopt are due to condemn the continuation of the fighting, to call for the immediate cease to the hostilities and violence that are making an already catastrophic humanitarian situation worse, and to express the EU's support for IGAD's (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Eastern African) endeavours at mediation with a view to obtaining an immediate ceasefire and to paving the way for an inclusive political dialogue. (AN/transl.fl)