South Sudan attacks ‘infinite’ talks

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has criticised negotiations with Sudan as “infinite,” claiming peace talks have failed to reach tangible results amid shifts in conditions and agendas. Kiir also claimed his government was “open to dialogue” and did not seek war with Sudan. Kiir’s remarks coincide with a statement by Sudan’s Defence Ministry on Tuesday evening, which affirmed its government’s commitment to previously signed peace agreements with its southern counterpart. Sudanese army spokesman al-Sawarmi Khaled Saad said his government “hopes” the international community will exert pressure on South Sudan to do the same. Sudanese journalist al-Hadi Ahmed al-Awad responded to the statements, claiming both countries were hindering peace negotiations. "The most likely scenario is that it will take a very long stint of negotiations before the two countries arrive at a consensus.” “Until then, Juba and Khartoum will continue to hurl accusations at each other,” he added.