http://www.voanews.com/content/us-kenya-ethiopia-agree-south-sudan-needs-legitimate-stabilizing-force/1905072.html
US, Kenya, Ethiopia Agree South Sudan Needs Legitimate Stabilizing Force
May 01, 2014 4:41 AM
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his counterparts from Ethiopia,
Uganda and Kenya have agreed that South Sudan needs a legitimate force to
help stabilize the country, which has seen months of deadly violence.
Kerry and the three foreign ministers met Thursday in the Ethiopian
capital, Addis Ababa, to talk about how to get neighboring South Sudan's
warring sides to agree to halt the fighting.
The United States has already threatened travel and financial sanctions
against those responsible for violence that has displaced more than a
million people.
A senior State Department official has said Kerry planned to deliver "tough
messages" for both the South Sudanese government and rebels during his
visit to Africa this week.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Wednesday that Kerry would use
his multi-stop trip in Africa to discuss a range of issues and initiatives,
including the U.S. program to help those with HIV and AIDS.
"Addis is the first stop on a week-long trip to Africa to encourage
democratic development, promote respect for human rights, advance peace and
security, engage with civil society and young African leaders who will
shape their continent's future; also promote trade, investment, and
development partnerships."
While in the Ethiopian capital, Kerry will hold talks with African Union
officials on the Central African Republic, where Muslims continue to flee
their homes to escape attacks by Christian militia.
He is also due to meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to
discuss the fight against the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab.
On Saturday, the secretary travels to the Democratic Republic of Congo's
capital to meet with President Joseph Kabila. The two will discuss recent
security gains against rebel groups in volatile eastern Congo.
On Sunday, Kerry heads to Angola for a meeting with longtime President Jose
Eduardo dos Santos. He returns to Washington on Monday.
Received on Thu May 01 2014 - 08:47:52 EDT