ADDIS ABABA
An Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesman expects that South Sudan's warning rivals will set a roadmap for political reconciliation during their second round of talks to resolve the conflict in the world's newest country.
"This time around, the South Sudanese negotiating parties are to dwell on substantive issues," Dina Mufti told Anadolu Agency.
Representatives of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and sacked vice president Riek Machar are scheduled to resume their peace talks in Addis Ababa on February 10.
"This should lead to a narrowing of the gap of differences between the two sides as a step forward towards durable peace," Dina said.
South Sudan has been shaken by violence since mid-December, when Kiir accused Machar of standing behind a failed coup attempt against his regime.
The violence has already claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people.
The UN estimates that more than 820,000 people had been displaced by the conflict.
Following weeks of talks, the warring rivals signed an agreement on January 23 to end nearly six weeks of fighting.
By Mohamed Taha Tawakel
englishnews@aa.com.tr
