UN chief calls for end to hostilities in South Sudan

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Friday called for an immediate end to hostilities in South Sudan, saying "there cannot be a military solution to the conflict" in the world's youngest country.

The appeal came when Ban was meeting with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on the sidelines of the annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, which entered its third day here Friday, Xinhua reported.

"The secretary-general expressed deep concern about the security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan," Ban's spokesman told reporters here. "He called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing that there cannot be a military solution to the conflict."

Ban urged the president to reach an inclusive agreement to start a transitional phase of governance based on justice, transparency and accountability in the management of oil resources.