The Secretary-General spoke today to the President of the Republic of South Sudan, His Excellency, Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit.  The Secretary-General welcomed the President's commitment to a cessation of hostilities and readiness to engage opposition leaders in dialogue and encouraged him to consider the early release of political prisoners.

The Secretary-General reiterated the full support of the United Nations for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation process and called for the full cooperation of all parties in finding a peaceful solution to the current crisis. He also underscored the need to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians. The Secretary-General and the President also discussed plans to urgently strengthen UNMISS in accordance with Security Council resolution 2132 of 24 December.