NEW YORK, July 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by today’s attack by SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] in Opposition forces under the command of Riek Machar on Nassir, Upper Nile State, South sudan. This is the first major attack since the Government and Mr. Machar recommitted to the Cessation of Hostilities agreement on 10 June 2014. It undermines ongoing intense regional and international political engagement towards a resumption of political negotiations and a peaceful resolution of the South sudan conflict.
The Secretary-General calls on Mr. Machar to cease immediately all offensive operations on Nassir and other points, and on the Government of South Sudan to desist from launching a counter-offensive. He reminds them of their obligations under international humanitarian law.
He warns the SPLM [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement] in Opposition leadership of the consequences should any innocent civilian or United Nations peacekeepers come under harm from their forces.
The Secretary-General calls on both parties to stop the violence immediately, reconvene political negotiations and demonstrate the political will necessary to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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