Brussels, 05/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - Impatient at the length of time needed for any progress on the peace process in South Sudan, “despite considerable efforts by the IGAD [intergovernmental authority on development] mediation”, the European Union ratcheted up its pressure on Wednesday 4 February (see EUROPE 11239).
In a statement published by the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU reiterated to the government and opposition that the 5 March deadline is not an option, but an obligation, in order to reach peace “for the benefit of all the people of South Sudan”. If the two sides continue to violate the ceasefire mechanism or fail to finalise a political agreement, the threat of sanctions brandished by the IGAD and African Union will be carried out.
“It is essential the current negotiations are completed no later than 5 March. The EU supports the IGAD-led process and encourages a closer involvement of the international community”, the statement points out. (AN)