President Salva Kiir left Juba this morning for Tanzania.

He is expected to meet with the leader of the SPLM-SPLA in Opposition, Dr. Riek Machar, during the on-going intra-parties’ dialogue in Arusha.

According to unconfirmed report, Dr Riek arrived at the venue yesterday.

The meeting was convened by the Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, at the request of the SPLM leadership in a bid to restore unity between the rival parties.

Addressing the media at Juba International Airport, the Minister in the office of the President, Awan Riak, says the meeting between President Kiir and Dr. Machar will help the on-going IGAD mediated peace talks succeed.

“In search for peace, the President is going to meet with the rebel’s leader Dr. Rieck Machar as part of the complement towards what has been started in Tanzania,” Mr Riak said.

Minister Awan said the peace talks will start if the IGAD mediators call back the two delegations.

The next round of peace talks is expected to resume on Monday next week in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.