Content_paragraphs:  I acknowledge the incremental progress towards the implementation of the 
  
  Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South 
  
  Sudan and take note of the agreement on the allocation of state- and county-level 
  
  government portfolios as a positive development. I commend the President, Salva 
  
  Kiir Mayardit, and the parties for reaching that important milestone. However, key 
  
  peace implementation benchmarks remain behind schedule. I urge the parties to 
  
  accelerate efforts towards expeditiously appointing officials to the agreed portfolios, 
  
  reconstituting the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, ensuring the 
  
  meaningful participation of women, reaching a settlement on the appointment of the 
  
  governor of Upper Nile and addressing other outstanding critical tasks.