The government says it does not welcome the sanctions imposed by the European Union.

Yesterday, the EU announced sanctions for two military leaders. They will face a travel ban. And they won’t be able to access money and property they have in the EU.

The Council of the European Union, in a statement, said the individuals are obstructing the peace process and responsible for atrocities.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mawien Makol, says both the government and the SPLM in Opposition need to be assisted to reach a peace deal.

“More sanctions on the government of South Sudan and the rebels are not helpful,” Amb Makol told Eye Radio.

“We are asking the European Union to help other than sanction; help the efforts to bring about peace; to encourage the two sides to engage in the peaceful dialogue being mediated by the regional body – the IGAD.”

He added that sanctions will discourage the commitment of the individuals to peace.

Last month, mediators in Addis Ababa postponed the peace talks to end the six-month conflict.

The SPLM in Opposition demanded more representation of the civil society in the talks.