LOC23:09
20:09 GMT
WASHINGTON, Feb 16 (KUNA) -- The Troika, made up of Norway, the UK and the US, welcomed on Friday "the constructive efforts" for the benefit of the people of South Sudan made at the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) over the last two weeks in Addis Ababa.
"The Troika expresses its appreciation for, and fully supports, the continuing effort by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to restore peace through the HLRF, and commends the tireless efforts of the IGAD Special Envoy Ambassador Ismail Wais and the mediation team," it said in a joint statement.
"The parties must make good on their promises to implement the Agreement on a Cessation of Hostilities (ACOH) signed in December 2017," it added. "We take note and support the intention by IGAD and the African Union to identify and impose consequences on those undermining peace as soon as possible."
Although there was "useful dialogue" over the past two weeks there is "much more for the parties" to do if the HLRF is to make meaningful progress towards peace.
The Troika called on all parties to reconvene as soon as possible to address security and governance arrangements that are "essential for peace."
It also urged against actions that could make returning to dialogue difficult, for the parties to agree on a negotiated arrangement that is inclusive and represents South Sudan's diversity, and encouraged priorities to be set on the separation of powers.
"The Troika renews its firm view that elections in 2018 are not viable given the continuing conflict, lack of security, displacement of one third of the population, and severe food insecurity affecting half the population," the statement said.
"The Troika continues to stand with the people of South Sudan and urges their leaders to move expeditiously to achieve the peace their people deserve," it added. (end)
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