ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The various parties involved in South Sudan's peace process on Tuesday reiterated joint commitment to the full implementation of the revitalized Agreement and renewed quest for a united, peaceful and rule of law.
The parties stressed the joint commitment to the people of South Sudan on the continuation of the Khartoum Round of Talks, according to the joint statement shared by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Tuesday.
"We the Parties, comprising of Transitional Government of National Unity of the Republic of South Sudan (TGoNU), the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Former Detainees (FDs), Other Political Parties (OPP) and Civil Society organizations reiterate our joint commitment to full implementation of the revitalized Agreement that we expect to conclude," the joint statement read.
The parties further vowed to "renew our quest for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law."
The statement also stressed that the war and fighting in South Sudan has caused indescribable suffering to all the people of the country and has deeply fractured the country's society.
The parties to the conflict in South Sudan in late June signed the Khartoum Peace Agreement in Sudan, including permanent ceasefire taking effect within 72 hours.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar, a representative of the political detainees in South Sudan and representatives for other South Sudan opposition groups signed on the agreement in Sudan.
The agreement, among other things, called on the parties to ceasefire arrangements within 72 hours, including separation of forces in close proximity, withdrawal of allied troops, opening of humanitarian corridors and releasing prisoners of war and political detainees.
They further called on the east African community and partners to cooperate in providing lasting peace in the world's youngest nation, saying that "we ask all of you to help us to achieve these objectives by reaching out to your neighbor and offering peace and love in the spirit of this Agreement."
They also reiterated their joint commitment to fully adhere to the ceasefire in order to allow displaced populations to begin rebuilding their livelihoods and for the process of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement to begin.
South Sudan has been embroiled in more than four years of conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people, creating one of the most severe refugee crises in the world.
The world's newest nation descended into violence after a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to split in the army, leaving soldiers to fight alongside ethnic lines.
