Nhial Deng Nhial [left] and Taban Deng Gai during the signing of COHA in Addis Ababa - Jan 2014

The head of the government delegation, Nhial Deng, and the head of the SPLM/SPLA –in Opposition delegation, Taban Deng, say they are committed to ending the eight-week conflict through political dialogue.

The head of government delegation in the peace talks says the government is committed to talks without preconditions.

Nhial Deng Nhial was speaking at the launch of the second round of peace talks in Addis last night:

“We have come here with an open mind, in search of a lasting solution to the crisis in our country,” said Mr Nhial.

“It’s our sincere hope that the other party has the same resolve too, so that together we can bring a speedy end to the suffering of our people and establish lasting peace in our country.”

For his part, the head of the SPLM/A-in Opposition, Taban Deng Gai, said his side was committed to realizing an inclusive dialogue with the government.

“The issues that led to the disagreement are national and require a national solution; hence the involvement of all stakeholders in the country is paramount,” he said.

“ In this regard we call upon the IGAD mediating team and the donor community to support our civil society to participate in these peace talks, in order for us to leave no stone unturned and that the discussion should be through broad-base and facilitated group discussions.”

Mr. Taban said that the disagreement within the SPLM which led to the conflict is a national issue and needs the involvement of all stakeholders in the next round of talks.

Also at the opening of the second round of the peace talks was the UN Secretary General Representative, Haile Menkerios, said the implementation of the agreement is critical for humanitarian assistance.

Representatives of the Troika group – the UK, US and Norway – all called for an inclusive dialogue.