No: 145, 11 May 2014

We welcome the ceasefire agreement signed by Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, and Mr. Riek Machar Teny, the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement Army (SPLM/A) in the opposition, who met in Addis Ababa on 9 May upon the invitation of Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the country holding the Presidency of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). We hope that all parties will strictly comply with the agreement.

The agreement stipulates that the clashes ongoing for months in South Sudan and which have caused the death or injury of numerous civilians will be ended within 24 hours. It is also of great importance for providing humanitarian aid to the people of South Sudan and establishing humanitarian aid corridors to that end.

We congratulate the IGAD, which has been mediating the talks since the beginning of the clashes in South Sudan, and Ethiopia, holding its Presidency, for their extensive efforts and contributions towards the signing of this agreement.

Turkey will continue to support peace and stability in South Sudan.