Britain calls on South Sudan, opposition to end clashes immediately

Britain called Wednesday on South Sudan government and opposition forces to end clashes immediately and stick to commitment signed to end tension. The Foreign Office quoted Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds as condemning recent fighting in Malakal as a serious violation of the cessation of hostilities. "I am deeply concerned by the recent fighting in Malakal which has led to a senseless loss of life. It is particularly disturbing that intercommunal fighting in the UNMISS camp has led to the death of civilians who had taken shelter there. Such scenes must not be allowed to re-occur," Simmonds said. "I strongly condemn this serious violation of the Cessation of Hostilities, which is the latest in a series of infringements on both sides," Simmonds added. "It is essential that they now engage fully with the Joint Technical Committee responsible for the monitoring and verification of the ceasefire, and commit seriously to a fully inclusive political process," the minister emphasized. "The UK will continue to give its full backing to the IGAD negotiations," Simmonds said. "The people of South Sudan continue to pay the highest price in this conflict. It is the responsibility of leaders on both sides to ensure that the violence stops," the statement added.