Top of the Morning: South Sudan Peace Talks

Top stories from DAWNS Digest

South Sudan Peace Talks Begin in Ethiopia 

Meanwhile, there are reports of heavy fighting in Juba and Bor. “The two sides begin face-to-face negotiations in Addis Ababa Sunday following days of delays. Representatives for President Salva Kiir and ex-vice president Riek Machar are expected to discuss details for a cease-fire and rebel demands for the release of political prisoners. However, South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei said at a news conference Sunday that the government will not give in to pressure to immediately release politicians detained after an alleged coup attempt last month.” (VOA http://bit.ly/196ifeP)

A Rough Election Day in Bangladesh

Violence and a boycott have severely marred this election. “Though final results had not yet been released by early Monday, official counts from Dhaka suggested that turnout here averaged around 22 percent — a steep decline from the more than the 87 percent who voted in the last general election. At least 19 people were reported dead in political violence, and 440 polling stations were closed early because of security concerns. Bangladeshi television stations broadcast images of rural polling stations charred by arson attacks, and of bodies wrapped in red blankets.” (NYT http://nyti.ms/1iHfKmh)