Salva Kiir calls for peaceful end to crisis

By Peter Opiyo in Juba

President of South Sudan Salva Kiir has called for fair resolution of border conflicts between the South and the North as his Northern counterpart Hassan Omar El-Bashir appears to soften his stand on the matter.

Bashir said he was willing to negotiate the key outstanding issues and appealed to US President Barack Obama to normalise relations with his country following the goodwill he has shown to South Sudan’s separation.

Kiir added he hoped "the outstanding issues would be resolved fairly" and appealed to the UN and Bashir to ensure that a lasting peace is found between the two countries.

Kiir extended amnesty to those with illegal firearms. He paid tribute to South Sudan’s first President, the late John Garang for the role he played in liberating the South from the North and pledged support to families of those who died during the war.