South Sudan’s parties at the peace talks have raised hopes that a solution could be found for some issues on security arrangements.

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, deputy head of the SPLM-IO’s committee for information, told Radio Tamazuj from Addis Ababa this afternoon that they have agreed on timeframe for integration of forces.

“We have initially agreed today that the timeframe should be 18 months, but if the integration process can be expedited and completed after three to four months, it will also be acceptable,” he said.

The senior opposition official noted that the warring parties also agreed on cantonment sites for forces. “But details of this points are yet to be finalized,” he said.

“We have also agreed on absorption and integration of forces. Some of the forces will be absorbed and others will be integrated. But we have not yet agreed on demilitarization of civilian centres,” he explained.

Manawa revealed that the parties have not yet agreed on presidency, participation of parties, and number of states.

He pointed out that the warring parties are still negotiating on the outstanding issues.” We will discuss and report the outcome to the leadership of the parties, and then we will see what will be the way forward,” he said.