South Sudan’s government said the European Union’s announcement of an arms embargo this week was unnecessary.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mawien Makol Arik told Radio Miraya the government is “seeking for support, not sanctions, and we have seen that sanctions have been hanging around. The reason for the sanctions of course is to try to bring the parties to the table, but at this juncture the government is not refusing the peaceful settlement of the conflict.”

Talks in Addis Ababa that were scheduled to start yesterday were delayed until today after government delegates failed to appear.

EU Head of Delegation to South Sudan Stefano De Leo said Monday’s announcement of an embargo was designed to push the government toward a peace deal.

“I suppose that if both parties are not violating agreements, are sitting together and are adopting a positive stand, no need for further measures will be necessary,” he told Radio Miraya.