By Hussein Ibrahim
KHARTOUM, July 17 (KUNA) -- South Sudan's First Vice-president Riek Machar Sunday set five preconditions for an end to the ongoing crisis in the country following battles in Juba between his supporters and forces loyal to President Salva Kiir.
Machar's spokesman Peter Gatkuoth said in a phone conversation with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the five preconditions include freeing Juba of gunmen, creating a third UN-sponsored peacekeeping force, speeding up constitutional changes, completing the building of state institutions and setting up a war crime court at an early date.
He said there were contacts from South Sudan's government and president Kiir asking Machar to return to Juba and discuss the implementation of their peace agreement.
However, Gatkuoth maintained, the government is seeking to replace Machar with an armed opposition leader.
On the current situation in the capital, he said all parties still stick to the recently announced ceasefire in Juba, but he complained about some restrictions, including travel ban.
Clashes erupted between both leaders' forces in Juba on July 8, leaving at least 300 people killed and forcing around 40,000 others to flee. But, a ceasefire was reached by both sides last Monday. (end) hha.ns.mt