Taban Deng Gai has dismissed the statement made by Dr. Riek Machar that his appointment is in violation of the peace agreement.

On Wednesday, Dr. Riek told Aljazeera television that he was still the First Vice President and that the appointment of Mr. Taban by President Salva Kiir was illegal.

Dr. Riek had also said he reserves the right to nominate a new First Vice President –where the need arises.

However, the newly appointed First Vice President, Taban Deng said his appointment was in line with a provision in the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

“I have listened to Dr. Riek Machar criticizing the steps taken by the SPLM-IO leadership…the agreement is very clear; Article 6-point-4 says; in the event that the First Vice President cannot discharge his responsibilities, then the leadership of the SPLM-IO has to nominate somebody who can discharge this responsibilities

“Where Riek Machar is –is not known, he is not communicating with the President
Mr. Taban said in his tenure, he will work with President Salva Kiir to implement the agreement in letter and spirit, so as to “save lives of people.”

The Peace Agreement says that in the event that the post of the First Vice President falls vacant during the Transitional Period, for any reason, the replacement shall be nominated by the top leadership body of the armed opposition, being SPLM in Opposition.

It further says that in the event of temporary absence of the First Vice President, he may delegate a senior Minister of the SPLM-IO to carry out functions and duties as stipulated in the agreement.

Taban Deng said he will continue to discharge the duties of the First Vice President as prescribed in the peace agreement.