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Middle East and North Africa

Russia urges warring parties in South Sudan to stop military actions

Russia's Foreign Ministry commented on armed clashes between the army units which support incumbent President Salva Kiir vs those supporting former vice-president Riek Machar

MOSCOW, December 18. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Ministry urges the warring parties in South Sudan to stop military actions and recommends Russian citizens to exercise caution.

“The Russian Foreign Ministry advises Russian citizens, who are planning to go to South Sudan shortly, is guided by security reasons,” the ministry said.

“We voice serious concern about reports on armed clashes between the army units, which support incumbent President Salva Kiir, on one hand, and former vice-president Riek Machar, on the other hand. Victims among peaceful civilians have been reported,” the ministry said.

“Thousands of residents of Juba and its suburbs are searching for shelter in the camps of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan. A curfew has been set up in Juba. The airport is closed,” the ministry said.

“According to existing reports, there are no Russian citizens among victims,” the ministry said.

“We urge both parties to immediately cease military actions. We’re convinced that disputes should be resolved by peaceful means, within legal norms and the constitution,” it said.

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Firefight resumes in South Sudan

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Middle East and North Africa

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