The Ambassador of Netherlands to South Sudan says remaining political prisoners should be released to participate in the National Dialogue.

Last week, at least 30 political detainees were released as part of the presidential amnesty declared earlier this year.

The move follows repeated calls by human rights watchdogs and the international community to free the men as promised by President Salva Kiir.

Amb. Geert Geut says the latest release of the political prisoners is a “considerable improvement” in the National Dialogue process.

“We are now working on the remainder of them so that everyone can participate in the national dialogue that is inclusive,” he said.

According to an official at the National Dialogue, the detainees in detention include James Gatdet, the former press secretary of the former First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar.

Others are Iddris Aggrey and lawyer Samuel Dong Luak. They were reportedly loyal to Dr Machar.

Amb. Geut was speaking during a meeting of the National Dialogue steering committee with over 20 foreign diplomats.

President Salva Kiir initiated the dialogue late last year, saying it would end the conflict and address other problems facing the country.

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