The European Union says it is high time President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar settled their differences through dialogue.

An EU delegation met President Kiir in Juba on Monday to urge him to engage in dialogue with his former deputy, Mr Machar, in a bid to end the violence in the country.

European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Alex Rondos, told Eye Radio that President Kiir was prepared to go anywhere, any time, to engage in talks with Mr Machar:

‘’He (the President) committed himself to having talks at any time to help bring peace, and I am persuaded that he really is ready to do that,‘’ Mr. Rondos said.

According to Mr Rondos, President Kiir has agreed that the violations against civilians that are occurring need to be brought to an end and culprits held accountable.

‘’The European Union agrees with him on that. And the President assured us that he will ensure that access to all civilians in need of assistance will be achieved,’’ Mr. Rondos added.

The European Union delegation echoed the call by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for a ceasefire and convening a meeting between President Kiir and Mr Machar.

The government of South Sudan has accepted talks without preconditions, but Mr. Machar is yet to give his final response to the call by IGAD and international community on dialogue.

Fighting broke out in Juba on 15th December and spread to other parts of the country.