UN backs 100-days extension, urges leaders to resolve pending critical tasks

November 12, 2019 AU, News, Newsbeat, UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighting the negative impact of climate change on world peace (Photo credit: supplied)

Nov 12th, 2019 (SSNN)-The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the extension of the pre-transitional period and urged all parties concerned to make use of the extended pre-transitional period to resolve other critical tasks pending implementation.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, “the Secretary-General of the United Nations welcomes the decision of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Council of Ministers, further to the agreement by the South Sudanese parties under the auspices of Uganda and Sudan, to extend the pre-transitional period for an additional 100 days.”

The UN chief urged South Sudan’s government and opposition parties to settle outstanding issues before the extended pre-transitional period comes to an end.

“The Secretary-General urges the parties to use this extension to make further progress on critical benchmarks, including security arrangements and the number and boundaries of states, to allow for the formation of an inclusive transitional government of national unity.

The UN called on Kiir’s administration to immediately disburse pledged funding needed to support the implementation of the peace agreement.

“The Secretary-General also urges the Government of South Sudan to support the process by releasing the pledged amount of $100 million through a transparent and accountable mechanism.”

The Secretary-General of the United Nations recognized the important role played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) in ensuring that the South Sudanese parties adhere to the provisions of the agreement.

“As IGAD has underscored, face-to-face meetings of the leadership of the parties will continue to be crucial in maintaining momentum. The Secretary-General reaffirms the critical importance of the role of IGAD and the African Union in the political process, and the continued readiness of the United Nations to support their efforts.”