Security Council concerned over renewed fighting in S. Sudan

March 19, 2014 (JUBA) – Members of the United Nations Security Council have expressed concerns over renewed clashes between South Sudan’s warring parties, urging the two sides to resume negotiations for a political settlement of the conflict.

Addressing reporters in New York on Thursday, Francois Delattre, the French ambassador to the UN and Security Council president for March said they were disappointed with the recent collapse of peace talks between South Sudan leaders.

South Sudan president, Salva Kiir and opposition leader, Riek Machar failed to agree on 6 March in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, despite looming threats for targeted sanctions.

Recalling Resolution 2206 of the Security Council, ambassador Delattre, urged South Sudan’s warring parties to resume negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

He said the Security Council would support the work of the UN mission in South Sudan, in addition to roles being played by the East African regional bloc (IGAD) and the African Union in resolving the conflict.

The French ambassador to the UN also reiterated the need for sanctions on South Sudanese leaders, saying it would pile pressure on them to end the ongoing conflict.

Haile Menkerios, the UN special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, had briefed members of the Security Council on the situation in the world’s youngest nation.

(ST)