ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Wednesday called on all South Sudanese parties to "unequivocally" adhere to the extended deadline of 100 days for the formation of an inclusive Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU).
The urgent call was made the by the Peace and Security Council of the 55-member pan-African bloc in its meeting outcome communique issued on Wednesday, which followed the council's recent meeting that dwelt upon the current situation in South Sudan.
"The Council urges all parties to unequivocally adhere to the extended deadline of February 22, 2020, the second extension of 100 days for the formation of an inclusive Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), with a view to rebuilding trust and confidence," an AU statement read.
It also underscored the importance of "committing to and respecting the agreed timelines in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), to pave way for the effective organization and creation of a conducive environment for holding national elections at the end of the interim process."
According to the council, the holding of national elections would "enable the people of South Sudan to enjoy their democratic right of electing political representatives of their choice."
The council, which welcomed South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar as well as leaders of the other opposition groups for continuously holding generative dialogue, also encouraged "all parties to continue to address the difficult issues confronting the implementation of the peace agreement and to sustain the dialogue."
It also called for reaffirming the solidarity of the African Union (AU) with the people and the government of South Sudan in their aspirations to restore peace, stability and development in the country.
It further acknowledged the efforts being deployed by the government of South Sudan and all the parties, as well as the overall progress achieved to date in the implementation of the revitalized peace accord.
