Peace talks mediated by IGAD may resume in Addis Ababa next week between the government and the SPLM in Opposition, according to the SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum.

He says a team led by Deng Alor Kuol is consulting with the SPLM-IO on the structure of a future interim government of national unity.

Mr Pagan told the Dawn program this morning that the warring parties may sign a lasting peace deal in this round of talks.

“We are expecting IGAD mediators to call on all the parties on the 21^st or 22^nd of this month, July, and then we are expecting the signing of a peace deal in this period,” Mr Amum said.

“My message to all listeners and the people of South Sudan is that this is the time for us to stop the war and we work together for peace and bring about peace to our country.”

Mr Pagan added that Uganda will withdraw its forces after the end of the conflict.