8 August 2014 - Any effort by South Sudan’s warring factions to continue pursuing a military solution to conflict in the country was unacceptable, the UN Security Council said in a statement today.

In the statement, Council Members, expressed “grave alarm and concern” about the deteriorating security situation and looming humanitarian catastrophe.

Next week, Council members are expected to visit the world’s youngest country where an internal political dispute in the Sudan’s People’s Liberation Movement has sparked eight months of bloodshed.

“The Security Council urgently calls upon President Salva Kiir, former Vice-President Riek Machar and all parties to implement the Agreement to Resolve the Crisis in South Sudan signed on May 9, 2014 by…South Sudan and the SPLM/A (in Opposition), to engage fully and inclusively in ongoing peace talks in Addis Ababa, and uphold their commitment to establish a Transitional Government of National Unity,” the statement said.

Based on a tentative deal reached between the two sides, the deadline for setting up a transitional authority of national unity was 10 August.

Council members appealed to the parties to “finalize appropriate arrangements without further delay.”

They also expressed their readiness to consider, in consultation with relevant partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union (AU), “all appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions, against those who take action that undermines the peace, stability, and security of South Sudan, including those who prevent the implementation of these agreements”.

The Council strongly condemned violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It reminded parties that under international law, such acts constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.

The Council also underlined deep concern about the dramatic food insecurity in South Sudan, which may result soon in famine.

It called on UN Member States to provide the funds for humanitarian agencies deliver promptly relief to desperate people and communities.