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07:12 GMT
NEW YORK, May 25 (KUNA) -- UN South Sudan Envoy stressed that a unified regional position on South Sudan remains critical, calling the UN Security Council to unite on a common strategy to advance the political process in the African country.
Addressing the UN Security Council, the head of the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan David Shearer told the members that as rains have arrived in South Sudan, "we are seeing the last push to position forces before roads become impassable. While rains may bring a respite to large-scale military maneuvers, they also greatly complicate the humanitarian response."
Shearer welcomed the announcement by President Salva Kiir of a unilateral ceasefire and pledge to review the cases of political prisoners, adding that while the National Dialogue launched on Monday could bring a welcome focus on reconciliation, for it to be credible, it will need the genuine participation of opposition constituencies.
Further, the UN official noted that unified regional position on South Sudan remains critical and that unity of purpose will send the best signal to South Sudan's political leaders to focus first and foremost on the plight of their citizens.
Determining that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, the UNSC adopted resolution 2353 deciding to renew the sanctions, including a travel ban and asset freeze imposed by its resolution 2206, on those designated to be blocking peace, security and stability in South Sudan. (end)
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