LOC01:43
22:43 GMT
BRUSSELS, Oct 6 (KUNA) -- The EU Monday criticised the announcement by President Salva Kiir of South Sudan to replace the 10 existing states with 28 new states, saying it "goes against the spirit and the letter of the peace agreement signed by the Government of South Sudan on August 26."
"The agreement provides for decisions on the structure of the country to be addressed during the permanent constitution-making process under the oversight of the Transitional Government of National Unity and in consultation with the people of South Sudan," said a joint statement by the spokespersons of EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Christos Stylianides.
The EU statement urged the President and Government of South Sudan to refrain from proceeding on this fundamental matter.
It noted that the Peace agreement was endorsed by both the President and the opposition at the High Level meeting chaired by the UN Secretary General on September 29 in New York.
"The international community has consistently said that there will be consequences for those who obstruct the implementation of the Peace agreement," it warned.
"Only a genuine and concerted effort by the leaders of South Sudan will bring an end to the suffering of the people of this country, renew their hope for a peaceful future and avert an even greater humanitarian tragedy," it added. (end)
nk.gb