The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Nhial Deng Nhial, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of South Sudan, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Deng Alor Kuol. They discussed the situation in South Sudan as well as ways to restore dialogue.

 
The Secretary-General voiced his deep concern and disappointment over the recent fighting in Juba and in other locations, further aggravating an already dire humanitarian situation and compromising the implementation of the agreement for the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan. He expressed outrage at the untold suffering inflicted upon the people of South Sudan.
 
The Secretary-General urged President Salva Kiir and 1st Vice-President Riek Machar to show true leadership and to live up to the aspirations of their people to peace and security. He underlined the need for the parties to uphold the cessation of hostilities and to resume dialogue as the only way to sustainably address the crisis in their country.  The Secretary-General called the South Sudanese stakeholders to agree on practical steps to demilitarize Juba.
 
The Secretary-General informed the Special Envoy of his recommendations to the Security Council in favour of an arms embargo, the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals involved in violence and blocking the implementation of the peace agreement, and the reinforcement of UNMISS.
 
The Secretary-General strongly condemned the impediments to the freedom of movement and attacks against United Nations staff, assets and premises. He called on South Sudan to provide full security and access to the United Nations and to its Peacekeeping Mission.
 
The Secretary-General emphasized the gravity of the situation and expressed the hope that the leaders would bear greater responsibility for their people. He asked the Special Envoy to relay his messages to the South Sudanese President.