The United States said Tuesday that it welcomes the return to Juba Monday of representatives of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement In-Opposition. "Their return marks an important milestone in the implementation of the peace agreement, and we hope it augurs future cooperation between the Government and the Opposition as they work towards peace in South Sudan," State Department spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement. "We express our appreciation to the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for their efforts to initiate a sustainable transition and foster national reconciliation in South Sudan," Kirby said. "Many important but difficult decisions remain. We call on both parties to work together in the spirit of unity and compromise to solidify the reforms outlined in the peace agreement and to establish the Transitional Government of National Unity in full cooperation with JMEC Chairperson, President Festus Mogae," Kirby said.
