The United States has welcomed the return of representatives of the SPLM-IO.

A delegation led by the opposition’s chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai arrived in Juba on Monday.

In a press statement, John Kirby, the spokesperson of the Bureau of Public Affairs at the Department of State says ‘their return marks an important milestone in the implementation of the peace agreement’.

“We hope it augurs future cooperation between the government and the opposition as they work towards peace in South Sudan,” Mr Kirby stated.

However, he pointed out that many important but difficult decisions remain.

He called upon both parties to work together in the ‘spirit of unity and compromise to solidify the reforms outlined in the peace agreement’ and to set up interim government ‘in full cooperation with’ President Festus Mogae, JMEC Chairperson.