US 'deeply concerned' by violations of ceasefire deal in South Sudan

WASHINGTON (Xinhua) - The United States is "deeply concerned" by reports of violations by both the South Sudanese government and the rebel forces of a ceasefire agreement signed in January, State Department said Saturday.

"We urge the redeployment or phased withdrawal of foreign forces invited by either side, and warn of the serious consequences which could result from any regionalization of this conflict," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

The US also strongly urged the South Sudanese government to facilitate the work of a team that has arrived in Juba, the country's capital, to monitor and verify the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, Psaki said.  

The ceasefire agreement, which was inked on Jan. 23, seeks to ease a political dispute in the world's youngest nation between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar, who was removed from office in July 2013 and later accused of attempting a coup.

Thousands of people are believed to have been killed and more than 870,000 others have fled their homes since fighting broke out on Dec. 15 between the two sides.

The US called on the South Sudanese government to release the remaining four political detainees it had held for alleged involvement in the attempted coup, Psaki said, adding the move " would reduce tension and build confidence in an inclusive reconciliation process."

It is imperative that the South Sudanese government immediately cease any assaults on the facilities and personnel of United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Psaki said.

"The Mission's ability to carry out its mandate is critical to establish peace and meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of South Sudan," the spokeswoman added.