Gianni Pittella, President of the Socialist & Democrats group in the European Parliament, today called on the President of South Sudan to sign the peace agreement designed to end the country's ongoing civil war without delay. He also said that the EU would be left with little choice but to impose targeted sanctions if it is not signed shortly.
Speaking after President Kiir failed to sign the agreement negotiated by regional leaders, Mr Pittella said:
"With the world's gaze fixed on the Middle East, there is a serious danger of the conflict in South Sudan becoming the globe's forgotten crisis. Thousands have been killed and more than 1.6 million people have been displaced. All sides involved need to recognise that, while the current peace agreement may not be perfect, it provides the best possibility of ending the bloodshed and allowing the people of South Sudan to move forward with their lives."
"If President Kiir continues to drag his feet and fails to sign the deal, the EU will be left with little choice but to consider sanctions against him and all others who go on fuelling the conflict."
"As well as the millions that have been displaced, there have been horrific stories of gang-rape and slaughter of civilians. The government needs to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into all alleged war crimes.We have learned from conflicts in Europe that not everyone will be satisfied with a peace deal and concessions must be made on all sides. Leaders need to show that they can put the interests of the whole country ahead of personal or ethnic ones and provide a better future for the entire South Sudanese population."
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