South Sudan's Kiir tells U.S. he will sign peace deal: U.S. spokesman

By

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday he intends to sign a peace deal to end a 20-month-old conflict, a State Department spokesman said.

"President Kiir assured the secretary that he has every intention of signing the peace agreement," spokesman John Kirby told reporters after Kerry called Kiir. "He said he needed a couple of more days of consultations but he made it very clear it was his intention to sign, which is encouraging."

Kiir told Kerry that he had some concerns that had now been addressed, Kirby added.

On Monday, Kiir refused to sign the deal brokered by regional leaders to end the conflict, which broke out in December 2013 when a political row between Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar spiraled into clashes.

Washington said on Tuesday it was consulting with other countries about imposing United Nations sanctions against South Sudan leaders who undermined the peace process.

"It is the actions of signing that matters (rather) than the pledge to do so," Kirby added.

Tags
Salva Kiir, John Kerry, United Nations
Join the Discussion
More News
Why Did Kohberger Spare Roommates in Idaho Murders?

Everything We Know About Shane Tamura, Who Pleaded For Experts to 'Study' His Brain After Killing Several in NYC Office Shooting

Who is Eliotte Heinz: Missing Wisconsin Grad Student Found Dead

Suspects In Viral Cincinnati Street Brawl Identified As Police Chief Slams Bystanders For Not Intervening: 'Out of 100, Only 1 Called 911'

Amy Bradley Is Missing

Kim Kardashian Joins 25-Year Search For Amy Bradley After 'Mind Blowing' Netflix Doc Shocks Viewers

Wisconsin Woman Reveals How She Dismembered Boyfriend, Spread Body Parts

Wisconsin Woman Details How She Dismembered Boyfriend, Spread Body Parts Around House in Disturbing Jailhouse Call