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EU voices deep concern over situation in S. Sudan

BRUSSELS, April 16 (KUNA) -- The EU expressed Monday deep concern over the continued violence, grave violations, and abuses of human rights in South Sudan.
Such crisis have inflicted horrific levels of human suffering and left South Sudan ruins, the EU Foreign Affairs Council said in a statement.
It urged all warring-parties in South Sudan to immediately cease fighting and participate in the peace process in a good faith.
The EU also called on all sides to condemn the high levels of corruption and illicit financial flows that fuel the conflict.
The Council also expressed "deep concern" over continued arms imports to South Sudan and allegations of regional complicity.
It said it will continue applying its autonomous arms embargo and reiterated the call for a UN arms embargo.
The EU remains ready to apply all appropriate measures to those obstructing the political process, it said.
"Seven million people, nearly two thirds of the population, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance as a result of more than four years of conflict, with children being particularly affected," it noted.
More than four million people are displaced, including over two million who have fled to neighboring countries, the EU added.
The Council said that 2018 is a critical year for securing peace in South Sudan, especially when the term of the Transitional Government of National Unity, as set out in the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, come to an end. (end) nk.ma