FILE: President Salva Kiir

President Salva Kiir has reiterated his call on SPLM-IO chairman Dr. Riek Marcher to return to Juba for the implementation of the peace agreement.

Last month, President Kiir invited the main opposition leader, to return to Juba for the formation of the reconstituted transitional government of unity.

But the opposition leader turned down the invitation on grounds of lack of security in the capital.

He requested for extension of the pre-transitional period for 6 months, a proposal President Kiir agreed to.

Speaking during the reopening of the transitional national legislative assembly in Juba this morning, President Kiir said he has forgiven Riek Marcher:

“In the spirit of this peace agreement and our experience in Rome I once more extend my invitation to Dr. Riek Marcher to return home. I have completely forgiven him and all I ask from him is to become a peace partner for he is no longer my opponent, we have agreed and then we have to work together”.

Officially, Dr. Machar shall return to Juba in November for the establishment of the interim government.