A UN Security Council delegation is in Juba to hold discussions on the humanitarian situation in the country with the government.

In March, the council adopted a resolution threatening sanctions on individuals who obstruct peace and are responsible for human rights abuses.

But the government said this would contribute negatively to the peace process.

The UN delegation met government officials in Juba yesterday.

“We have briefed them about the situation and we are very glad to really know about the so-called targeted sanction on individuals and that the sanctions, according to them, should be affecting people who are involved in the hindrances of peace,” said Ambassador Mawien Makol, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“But we have clarified to them that the so-called targeted sanctions are also to affect individuals but there is no reason for sanctions now on South Sudan”.

The US and the European Union have already imposed sanctions on three military leaders over violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

UNSC experts on South Sudan include; Andrews Atta-Asamoah, natural resources/finance (Ghana), Payton Knopf, regional issues (United States of America), Anna Oosterlinck, humanitarian affairs (Belgium), Lucas van de Vondervoort, arms (Netherlands) and  Vladimir Zhagora, armed groups (Belarus).

Mr. Vladimir Zhagora serves as Coordinator of the Panel of Experts.