Steinmeier: Agreement is an important step forward

On the occasion of the signature of the peace agreement to the conflict in South Sudan the German Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Tuesday, August 18:

The agreement, the warring parties of South Sudan have reached yesterday after tough negotiations in Addis Ababa, is an important step forward to stop bloodshed and suffering in South Sudan.

The fact that an agreement could be negotiated shows that both parties are basically willing to settle the conflict. Therefore it is very important now, that President Kiir and his government officially accept the outcome of the negotiations and sign the peace agreement.

Reports that the South Sudanese government is taking oppressive action against people and institutions committed to peace, causes  great concern to me. Germany supports the international community in considering further measures and sanctions  against those who sabotage the peace process.”