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Direct talks on South Sudan open in Ethiopia Direct talks on South Sudan open in Ethiopia
(35 minutes later)
Direct talks on ending the conflict in South Sudan have officially opened in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.Direct talks on ending the conflict in South Sudan have officially opened in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The negotiations are focusing on bringing about a ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.The negotiations are focusing on bringing about a ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.
The talks, led by teams representing the warring parties, are expected to get under way in earnest on Sunday.
Rebels supporting sacked Deputy President Riek Machar are involved in fierce fighting with the forces of President Salva Kiir.Rebels supporting sacked Deputy President Riek Machar are involved in fierce fighting with the forces of President Salva Kiir.
At least 1,000 people have been killed since the conflict began on 15 December.At least 1,000 people have been killed since the conflict began on 15 December.
More than 180,000 people have been displaced.More than 180,000 people have been displaced.
Aid workers say many of them are living without shelter, clean water or sanitation.Aid workers say many of them are living without shelter, clean water or sanitation.
The Ethiopia talks were earlier delayed, dampening hopes of a quick end to the fighting. But it later emerged that direct talks would take place. Earlier fears that the talks in Ethiopia had been postponed indefinitely proved unfounded with the unexpected ceremonial opening at a hotel in Addis Ababa.
In a tweet on Saturday evening, the Ethiopian foreign ministry quoted the special envoy to South Sudan as saying "both the government & opposition of South Sudan have committed to resolve their political differences through political dialogue".In a tweet on Saturday evening, the Ethiopian foreign ministry quoted the special envoy to South Sudan as saying "both the government & opposition of South Sudan have committed to resolve their political differences through political dialogue".
One report suggests that substantive negotiations will begin Sunday. No timeline has been set, but mediators have asked the opposing parties to find quick solutions.
They will focus on the immediate ending of violence and the fate of political detainees. The BBC's Alastair Leithead in the South Sudan capital, Juba, says both sides think they have the upper hand and, with their positions so far apart, something dramatic must change for a speedy agreement.
No timeline has been set, but mediators have asked the warring parties to find quick solutions.
The BBC's Alastair Leithead in the South Sudan capital, Juba, says both sides think they have the upper hand and, with their positions so far apart, something dramatic must change for a speedy agreement to come out of the talks.
Obstacles to talksObstacles to talks
South Sudan's Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the BBC that the rebels would have to acknowledge that they had instigated a coup attempt. He said the government's compromise was to have agreed to the talks.South Sudan's Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the BBC that the rebels would have to acknowledge that they had instigated a coup attempt. He said the government's compromise was to have agreed to the talks.
Nhial Deng Nhial, head of the government negotiating team, pledged to "leave no stone unturned in the search for a peaceful resolution", according to AFP news agency.Nhial Deng Nhial, head of the government negotiating team, pledged to "leave no stone unturned in the search for a peaceful resolution", according to AFP news agency.
But he warned it "must be abundantly clear" the government has "an obligation to restore peace and security of the country through all means available".But he warned it "must be abundantly clear" the government has "an obligation to restore peace and security of the country through all means available".
Rebel delegation chief Taban Deng told AFP he was committed to talks, but demanded the release of several top political leaders from the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), accused of involvement in the violence.Rebel delegation chief Taban Deng told AFP he was committed to talks, but demanded the release of several top political leaders from the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), accused of involvement in the violence.
Mr Machar, in an interview with the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper, said his forces would hold back from attacking Juba to try to reach a negotiated settlement.Mr Machar, in an interview with the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper, said his forces would hold back from attacking Juba to try to reach a negotiated settlement.
"I'm being restrained by the international community and the talks, which I hope will yield some fruits," he said."I'm being restrained by the international community and the talks, which I hope will yield some fruits," he said.
However, there were reports of heavy fighting continuing on the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Bor, in Jonglei state. But the sounds of firing were reported from Juba on Saturday evening. And earlier reports spoke of heavy fighting on the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Bor, in Jonglei state.
Our correspondent says there are well-armed units there and both sides may be trying to put themselves in the strongest military position possible as the talks take place.
The government said its troops were attempting to recapture both Bor and the city of Bentiu, in the northern state of Unity.The government said its troops were attempting to recapture both Bor and the city of Bentiu, in the northern state of Unity.
Government spokesman Col Philip Aguer said: "We will take Bor within 24 hours," adding: "There is no threat to Juba."Government spokesman Col Philip Aguer said: "We will take Bor within 24 hours," adding: "There is no threat to Juba."
An official connected to the rebels told the Sudan Tribune news website that Col Aguer's comments were "propaganda".An official connected to the rebels told the Sudan Tribune news website that Col Aguer's comments were "propaganda".
Ethnic divisionsEthnic divisions
Delegates from both sides began arriving in the Ethiopian capital on Wednesday but talks were delayed until the full negotiating teams had arrived.Delegates from both sides began arriving in the Ethiopian capital on Wednesday but talks were delayed until the full negotiating teams had arrived.
Until now, talks have been taking place only through mediators.Until now, talks have been taking place only through mediators.
South Sudan is the world's newest state. It was formed in 2011, gaining independence from Sudan after decades of conflict.South Sudan is the world's newest state. It was formed in 2011, gaining independence from Sudan after decades of conflict.
The latest trouble has its roots in tensions that go back long before 2011.The latest trouble has its roots in tensions that go back long before 2011.
Politicians' political bases are often ethnic. President Kiir is from the Dinka community while Mr Machar is a Nuer.Politicians' political bases are often ethnic. President Kiir is from the Dinka community while Mr Machar is a Nuer.