4 March 2014 - Government and opposition delegations at Ethiopia peace talks on resolving the South Sudan conflict are taking a two-week break, as they continue to wait for an agenda, officials said today.

Government delegation Spokesperson Michael Makuei told UN Radio Miraya the team would return to Juba today, but that IGAD envoys would continue negotiating with the parties during the break.

“The envoys came back from Juba and they informed us that we would have a break probably for two weeks, with effect from today,” Mr. Makuei said. “So far we have not agreed on the agenda, so we are just waiting."

"The envoys will continue to shuttle between us and the rebels up to that time when we agree on the agenda," he added.

Deputy Opposition Spokesperson Yohanis Musa Pouk said his delegation was also waiting for communication from IGAD mediators.

“We were waiting for IGAD to update us on the coming process,” he said. “We were waiting to sign the declaration of principle, but up to now no communication has come from IGAD negotiators.”

The second round of talks, focusing on political issues and national reconciliation, was scheduled to begin on 10 February, but has stalled over the agenda for discussions.