Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende urges Government of South Sudan to finalise peace deal

Speaking after the Summit hosted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Addis Ababa, Mr Brende commented:

'I welcome the progress made at yesterday's Summit on South Sudan, and the signing of a peace agreement by the opposition and other South Sudanese parties. However, I am deeply disappointed that the Government of South Sudan has not yet signed the agreement, and I strongly urge it to do so immediately. I also call on all parties to commit fully to implementing the agreement. After 20 months of fighting, during which 2 million people have been displaced from their homes, a further delay beyond 17 August is completely unacceptable. Norway, together with its Troika partners, stands by the people of South Sudan and calls on the Government to make peace a reality. We will consult with our regional and international partners on the steps that should now be taken.'