29/01/2018 (Agence Europe) – Reiterating its condemnation of the continued violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in South Sudan, the EU said on Friday 26 January that it "joins" the IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development) Council of Ministers in condemning the repeated violations of this agreement. In a press release, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service states that "these violations, perpetrated by the major stakeholders, include the killings of civilians, sexual violence and recruitment of child soldiers". The spokesperson also reiterates that the EU is ready to impose sanctions on those responsible. "The EU expects all parties to abide by the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostiles" that was signed on 21 December, and to engage meaningfully in the second phase of the high-level revitalisation forum, organised by IGAD. It also reaffirms its commitment to support IGAD's efforts for peace. (AN)