JUBA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Monday welcomed the recent delivery of essential tents by the African Union Peace and Security Commission (AUPSC) to help speed up the much-awaited cantonment of forces across the country.

The foreign ministry lauded the support from the AU as it will expedite the delayed cantonment of both government and rebel forces amid concerns that the warring parties may fail to conclude outstanding issues within the remaining three months of the extended pre-transitional period.

"The ministry of foreign affairs would like to welcome, recognize and extend its appreciation to the AUPSC for its fundamental support which is a positive realization as was promised during the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) council of ministers meeting held in Juba on May 8, 2019, and Addis Ababa on Aug.21 respectively," it said in a statement issued in Juba.

South Sudan last week received a shipment of 640 multipurpose tents to be distributed to 35 cantonment sites across the country.

The minister said this development will expedite the process of cantonment, security arrangement and implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2018 in Ethiopia to end more than five years of conflict.

The foreign ministry revealed that the government has been providing the required resources and support to the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) the body charged with overseeing the peace implementation for the past ten months.

"The ministry of foreign affairs encourages regional and international partners and friends of South Sudan to give priority to the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement," it said. Enditem