The government chief negotiator says IGAD is not narrowing the gap between the warring parties.

Nhial Deng Nhial says the peace process may delay further unless IGAD mediators start dismissing some proposals from the warring parties.

He says IGAD should facilitate a more frank and serious dialogue.

The government chief negotiator made the remark at the end of consultations with IGAD mediators in Addis Ababa.

The parties to the conflict were discussed how the Arusha deal on the reunification of the SPLM could be used to speed up the IGAD peace process.

Delegates of the SPLM in Opposition, the former political detainees and the government shared their views with IGAD mediators.

Mr Nhial says IGAD should reject proposals that could prolong the conflict.

“We expect that there are certain issues that the mediation should tell the other side very frankly that these issues are issues that will be addressed after the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity or are not valid issues,” said Mr Nhial.

“For instance, the idea of the rebellion having their own army during the transitional period. I mean, these are issues that should be dismissed out of hand immediately.

“But the mediation does not seem to be able to do that.”

Five African countries will join the mediation for the next round of talks scheduled for June in South Africa. These include Nigeria, Chad, Rwanda and South Africa.

However, Mr Nhial says their involvement may not have an impact on the process.

“It is not even a question of IGAD Plus. I don’t think the Plus will add any real value, to be honest. But, we have no problem with other African countries being brought on board, other organizations being brought on board,” he added.

“But, that is not the issue. The issue is that the matters that are on the table for discussion should be dealt with much more seriously than they have been dealt with.”

IGAD mediators and the SPLM in Opposition have not commented on the views of the government team after the consultations.

But earlier, the SPLM in Opposition said it proposed two armies during the transitional period to guarantee the implementation of the peace agreement.

The opposition also says it will consider the government illegitimate by the 9th of July and may not be willing to continue to negotiate with what they consider an illegitimate government.