"South Sudan 'at the precipice' of war" - Obama (Premium Times)

South Sudan 'at the precipice' of war-Obama

South Sudanese president has expressed his willingness to dialogue with rivals
United States President Barack Obama has warned that days of violence in South Sudan may plunge the country into civil war.
Mr. Obama said in a statement that the country "stands on the precipice," and that too much blood has been spilled for the country to slide back to its violent past.
More than 600 people have been violence broke out in South Sudan on Sunday over alleged coup attempt.
President Salva Kiir on Friday in Juba expressed his willingness to dialogue with rivals to prevent a return to war.
Mr. Kiir was due to hold talks on Friday with ministers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti and Somali, along with representatives from the AU and UN.
In a related development Reuters news agency reports that Barnaba Benjamin, South Sudan, Foreign Minister as saying that "Kirr is ready to negotiate his departure from power because the army could force him out if he did not quit''.
He said Mr. Kiir has always said that he doesn't want his people to turn back again to war, and that's why the government has been negotiating with the militia groups.
The report said neighbouring states, have expressed fear at the spread of fighting to vital oil sites.
The report said with the escalating fight, the oil production, which had stood at about 245,000 barrels per day and provides most of South Sudan's revenues, have not been affected.
It stated that over 200 oil workers sought refuge in a UN base while China National Petroleum Corp, one of the main operators, plans to fly its 32 workers out of one field to Juba.
Mr. Obama South Sudan risks reversing the progress it has made toward breaking the cycle of violence that characterized much of its history.
"Today, that future is at risk. South Sudan stands at the precipice. Recent fighting threatens to plunge South Sudan back into the dark days of its past," the US president said.
"But it doesn't have to be that way. South Sudan has a choice. Its leaders can end the violence and work to resolve tensions peacefully and democratically. Fighting to settle political scores or to destabilize the government must stop immediately."