Members of the International Community have welcomed President Salva Kiir’s decision to sign the agreement on the resolution of the conflict.

They have called for full implementation of the Agreement. In a statement, the African Union says the signing is a critical step in ending the conflict.

The chairperson of the AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, “calls on all the South Sudanese parties to scrupulously abide by its terms and faithfully implement its provisions”.

She says the AU will support the full implementation and calls on members of the international community to continue engagement in the process.

Before signing the deal in Juba on Wednesday, President Salva Kiir expressed a number of reservations on ceasefire and security arrangements.

At a press briefing in Washington, state department spokesperson John Kirby said the signatures represent the full and final approval of the agreement by the warring parties and their commitment.

He says the president made a personal decision to overcome the reservations.

“These signatures represent the full and final approval of the agreement by the warring parties and their commitment,” he stated.

“While we support the signing of the agreement … expect all parties to abide by all elements of the final peace agreement.”

Mr John Kirby said the international community has other options through the United Nations if any of the parties fail to implement the deal.

The Troika, which comprises the US, Britain and Norway, says it expects an immediate and permanent cease fire from all parties.