As the Second Phase Revitalization Forum enters its 7th day today (February 12), State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene and IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismail Wais made a media briefing on the overall progress witnessed over the days.
State Minister Hirut commending all parties for the cordial and constructive engagement in reviewing the relevant chapters of the ARCSS, noted that the Revitalization process has witnessed a steady progress since its launch on December 18, 2017 by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
While mentioning the First Phase Revitalization that resulted the signing of an Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access on December 21st, Mrs. Hirut also noted the first week of the Second Phase has witnessed a huge step forward towards ensuring the final peace for South Sudan.
She noted among the three core objectives of the Forum much was deliberated on the issue of Governance and discussion are to be held on issues of Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Sector Reform tomorrow onwards. She said that armed forces of the warring sides will be sitting for talks tomorrow where the talks would be on permanent ceasefire and transitional security reform.
The last agenda will be setting a realistic timeline for the implementation of Agreement towards a democratic election at the end of the Transition Period. She underscored that the peace in South Sudan highly depends on the commitment of the South Sudanese parties; IGAD and other Stakeholders play the role of facilitation.
Special Envoy Ambassador Ismail Wais noted that the Forum would eventually bring about a meaningful revitalized agreement which would end the suffering of the People of South Sudan.( www.mofa.gov.et)