Egypt Welcomes South Sudan Ceasefire Deal

Seated on the podium, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (2nd L), South Sudan President Salva Kiir (L) and South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar (2nd R) are seen during the ceremony after the two South Sudanese arch-foes agreed in Khartoum on June 27, 2018, to a "permanent" ceasefire. ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP

The deal is an important step in restoring security through the ceasefire that would take effect within 72 hours, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat.

The ministry lauded Sudan over the efforts it exerted under the leadership of President Omar al-Bashir to resolve South Sudan’s political crisis.

It stressed that Cairo would continue to exert efforts in backing any peace plan to achieve stability in South Sudan.

The statement also expressed hope that the new deal would end internal division in the country and stop bloodshed.

Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit also welcomed the agreement that was signed on Wednesday.

He hoped in a statement that the deal would lead to a permanence ceasefire and open the way for the implementation of all its clauses.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and his arch-foe Riek Machar signed on Wednesday the "Khartoum Declaration" in the presence of al-Bashir.

Several previous ceasefire agreements have been violated, but Bashir said the latest signals the return of peace to South Sudan.