"Kerry pushes for South Sudan talks" | Associated Press May 06, 2014
LUANDA, Angola — Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday he expects peace talks for South Sudan to begin as planned, despite reluctance by the top rebel leader, who has called immediate negotiations premature and meaningless.
Speaking to reporters in the Angola capital before heading back to the United States, Kerry also sharpened the threat of sanctions or deploying new UN troops to South Sudan should the talks fall through.
Related:
"Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday the beginning of direct
talks was an important step, but that both sides need to put the
interests of South Sudan above their own. The United States played a big
role in bringing decades of war in the region to an end. South Sudan
peacefully broke away from Sudan in 2011. Kerry said the United States will not support anyone who uses force to seize power, in an apparent message for Machar."
Unless they do it at our behest, with our encouragement, or having our support and approval.
Then it's okay. If not, then we will do it ourselves!
Also see: No Sanctions For South Sudan
They have connections.
Rebel leader Riek Machar has told reporters that he does not see the point of peace talks that would lead to a transitional government before elections. Kerry said he was aware of the comments but insisted Machar did not reject the talks outright.
‘‘He left the door open,’’ Kerry said of Machar. ‘‘He expressed some doubts, but he didn’t say he wouldn’t go.’’
Kerry said the rebel leader, South Sudan’s former vice president, ‘‘has a fundamental decision to make. If he decides not to and procrastinates, then we have a number of different options that are available to us. We said we are serious and there will be accountability and implications if people do not join into this legitimate effort.’’
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s military wrested a base and a town from rebel control in a violent counteroffensive just days after South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, agreed to participate in the talks. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki strongly condemned the offensive by Kiir’s troops, which she said was in violation of a cease-fire agreement.
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
South Sudan has been rocked by violence since December, when Kiir accused Machar of staging a coup. Thousands of people are believed to have been killed.
--more--"
