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UN chief urges end to South Sudan fighting

24 August 2011 02:23 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging the government of newly independent South Sudan to end fighting between rival tribes that has left at least 600 people dead and more than 750 wounded, APA reports quoting Taiwan Times.

U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. peackeeping mission in South Sudan is ready to assist the government in providing security and protecting civilians.

The U.N. reported the casualties Monday in clashes between the Murle and the Lou Nuer tribes in Jonglei State. Reports said villages were also burned and cattle stolen.

Haq said the secretary-general called on South Sudan to to restore security in Jonglei State and "protect civilians affected by this violence and to work with both communities to reduce tensions."