Government delegation in the ongoing peace talks with the rebels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia returned to Juba on Thursday evening for further consultation with the President of the Republic.
Chief negotiator Nhial Deng Nhial told journalists upon arrival at Juba International Airport that the talks were tough and slow.
He added that there was steady progress, but declined to give details.
Mr Nhial declined to explain what was making the talks tough, emphasizing that it was really tough.
Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth said if the rebelling group failed to sign cessation of hostilities so soon they would be defeated by government military force in Bor and Malakal.