Information Minister Michael Makuei | File photo.

The government delegation at the negotiations in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa say they are committed to bring peace to South Sudan.

The spokesperson of the delegation, Michael Makuei Lueth, said theSPLM/SPLA- in Opposition had “violated the cessation of hostilities”.

Mr Makuei was speaking to journalists in Addis.

“The stand of our government is total condemnation of all that happened, because we as the Government of South Sudan, we are committed to the signed cessation of hostilities and abide by it,” he said.

Mr. Makuei criticized IGAD’s condemnation of the two parties to the conflict for violating the cessation of hostilities agreement.

“I am really disappointed by the press release which was issued by the IGAD,” said Mr Makuei.

I was expecting the IGAD envoys to come out clearly and condemn the flagrant violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement by the rebels.

“Instead they came out with a press statement that is appealing to both parties and requesting them to abide and respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the former political detainees, John Luk Jok, urged the government and the SPLM/SPLA- in Opposition to give peace a chance and stop fighting:

“We appeal to the government of South Sudan and the SPLM/SPL A – in Opposition to fully implement, in good faith, the agreement on cessation of hostilities signed in Addis Ababa on 23^rd January, 2014. This should include refraining from hostile statements in the media against each other.”

Mr. Luk said the former detainees still urged the government of South Sudan to release the remaining four of their colleagues who are still being held in Juba on political grounds and accord them freedom to participate in the ongoing peace talks in Addis Ababa.