The peace talks in Addis Ababa have been suspended by IGAD to give time for consultations.

The government says it is pulling out its delegations from Addis Ababa today due to the suspension of the peace talks.

The SPLM Secretary for Syndicate and Popular Organization Martin Majut Yak said talks were suspended due to the demands form the SPLM in opposition that they need more representation on their side.

The rebels claim that civil society organizations and political parties who went to Addis Ababa to participate in the talks are not on their side.

“They want to bring their people from civil society organizations and from former detainees, said Mr Yak. “They said they want 7 from civil society organizations, 7 from political parties, 7 from former detainees and 4 from eminent personalities.”

The United States have threatened sanctions on South Sudan’s leaders if they rejected peace negotiations.

However, Mr Yak said no sanctions should be imposed on the government during the peace talks.

“Government has not rejected talks, government is in the talks? And it will be unfair if we talk about sanctions to a government that is ready for talks and for peace.”

He said they will still go back for talks in Addis Ababa when the time is given by IGAD.