Joint Statement by the Spokespersons of the High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides on South Sudan

The announcement by President Salva Kiir of the presidential order to replace the 10 existing states with 28 new states goes against the spirit and the letter of the Peace agreement signed by the Government of South Sudan on August 26.

The agreement provides for decisions on the structure of the country to be addressed during the permanent constitution-making process under the oversight of the Transitional Government of National Unity and in consultation with the people of South Sudan. The European Union therefore urges the President and Government of South Sudan to refrain from proceeding on this fundamental matter.

The Peace agreement was endorsed by both the President and the opposition at the High Level meeting chaired by the UN Secretary General on September 29 in New York. It is by the timely implementation of the agreement that the parties to the conflict will be judged.

We also call on the opposition to engage promptly in the implementation of security arrangements and strongly condemn the resumption of hostilities in Unity State.

The international community has consistently said that there will be consequences for those who obstruct the implementation of the Peace agreement. The EU welcomes in that respect the African Union's decision to publish the commission of inquiry's report and to move ahead with the establishment of the hybrid court.

Only a genuine and concerted effort by the leaders of South Sudan will bring an end to the suffering of the people of this country, renew their hope for a peaceful future and avert an even greater humanitarian tragedy.