Kerry warns South Sudan leader on ceasefire

Washington - US Secretary of State John Kerry rang
the president of South Sudan on Thursday to warn
him to respect an oft-broken ceasefire.
The UN Security Council is to meet on Friday
to
discuss the latest fighting, having already
threatened to impose sanctions on any parties
imperilling a deal to end the nearly two-year war.
Under the agreement signed by President Salva Kiir
and rebel leader Riek Machar, a ceasefire was due
to enter into force last weekend, but fighting has
continued in Upper Nile state.
"Secretary Kerry spoke with president Kiir today
and expressed concern regarding recent ceasefire
violations," a senior State Department official said.
"President Kiir confirmed to the secretary that he is
committed to the implementation of the peace
agreement and the ceasefire."
Also Read: South Sudan rebels say peace at risk
"The secretary underscored that the United States
would work to support the implementation of the
peace agreement and continue to provide
humanitarian aid."
The world's youngest nation, South Sudan
descended into bloodshed in December 2013 when
Kiir accused Machar, then his deputy, of planning a
coup.
The violence has left tens of thousands of people
dead and the impoverished country split along
ethnic lines.
Over two million people have fled their homes in a
war marked by gang rapes and the use of child
soldiers.
At least 200 000 civilians are sheltering in UN
bases.
The United States has presented a draft UN
resolution imposing an arms embargo and targeted
sanctions on individuals who block provisions of the
peace accord.
- AFP