Juba - Following an attack by opposition forces in South Sudan, the United Nations is calling for all offensive operations to immediately end and for both sides to resume suspended peace talks.

In an emailed statement, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed that armed youth and defected soldiers (SPLA in Opposition) loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar attacked Nassir Town in the Upper Nile State.

The attack is “the most serious resumption of hostilities” since President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Machar met on May 9 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa and recommitted to compliance with the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement they had signed earlier on January 23, the Mission said.

UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon voiced concern that the attack “undermines ongoing intense regional and international political engagement toward a resumption of political negotiations and a peaceful resolution” of the conflict, according to his spokesperson.

He called on Machar to cease immediately all offensive operations on Nassir and other points, and on the Government of South Sudan to desist from launching a counter-offensive.

In the statement, Ban warned the SPLM in Opposition leadership of “the consequences” should any innocent civilian or UN peacekeepers be harmed by the forces.

The Mission called the timing of the attack “deplorable” given the intensive efforts underway by mediators of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to convince all parties to resume negotiations in Addis Ababa.

“It is also worrying that the attack was launched in total disrespect of the presence of the IGAD Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring and Verification Team who deployed in Nassir last month,” said the acting head of UNMISS, Raisedon Zenenga.

In mid-December 2013, political infighting between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar turned into a full-fledged conflict that has since then uprooted some 1.5 million people and placed more than 7 million at risk of hunger and disease.

The conflict also sent nearly 100,000 civilians fleeing to UNMISS bases around the country. – SAnews.gov.za-NNN-UNNS

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will today launch its Book Flood Campaign in celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day. The campaign is aimed at fostering a reading culture amongst learners beyond the classroom and making the habit of reading every child’s right. The initiative will run for a month, ending on 18 August. The […]Mandela Day inspires reading culture is a post from: BooknSpire



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Getting this year’s Galway Races off to a fashionable start will be the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady Competition’ which takes place at Ballybrit on the first day of the event, Monday 28th July. Sponsored by award-winning Irish milliner, Suzie Mahony, the lucky winner will walk away with a stunning hat by Suzie whose designs have... [Continue Reading]Fashionable start to Galway Races is a post from: FashnSpire



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Communications Minister Faith Muthambi says the Malamulele Hospital in Thulamela, Limpopo, should be a facility of choice, where quality healthcare...

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Reigning Totalsports XTERRA South Africa Champion Dan Hugo celebrated a hat-trick XTERRA South Africa victory on Thursday, 10 July 2014 completing the Totalsports XTERRA Full Pezula presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT in a deserving time of 01 hours 32 minutes 42seconds.* Reigning Totalsports XTERRA Pezula Champion Carla Van Huyssteen successfully defended her title in an impressive [...]Hugo, Van Huyssteen top at Pezula is a post from: Trail Running South Africa



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The streets of Durban were teaming with activity on Sunday, 20 July 2014 when over 4000 runners and walkers gathered at the Berea Rovers Sports Club to participate in the annual Totalsports Ladies Race.* Irvette Van Zyl (Nedbank Running Club) was the lady to beat, completing the 10km race in an impressive time of 33 [...]Irvette van Zyl takes Durban Ladies Race is a post from: Time-to-Run South Africa



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The 11 local community and not-for-profit childcare services will use the funding for repair and maintenance works, and to upgrade current facilities.

The organisations that successfully applied for funding include Loughgraney Kids Corner in Flagmount (€46,000), Miltown Malbay and District Community Playgroup (€36,841), Brigits Mantle Initiatives Ltd in Tuamgraney €9,634), Inagh Development (€16,708), Ruan Community Childcare (€11,635), Obair Newmarket on Fergus (€25,826), Clare Family Resource Centre in Ennis (€23,719), Sunflowers Kildysart (€1,810), Seahorses Kilkee (€2,714), Tir Na nÓg Lissycasey (€5,707) and West Clare Early Years Care & Education Services (€2,519).

According to Senator Mulcahy: “The grants awarded will be used for essential repairs, refurbishment and improving energy ratings. Priority was given to areas of economic disadvantage; places most in need of assistance. This is very good news for parents and childcare providers in Clare.”

He added: “High quality childcare facilities are hugely important to parents. It makes a massive difference to know that when you are at work, your children are being cared for in an environment that is safe, clean and fit-for-purpose. Children in Clare will benefit from funding awarded to facilities that have been in existence for some years and are now in need for a make-over.”

“This programme of works will take place alongside the very significant work currently being undertaken to deliver on the Early Years Quality Agenda, and in addition this funding, a further €5 million has been made available under the Infrastructure Stimulus. The Minister for Children is currently assessing and planning on how best to spend this money,” Senator Mulcahy concluded.

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Public Works Minister Thembelani “Thulas” Nxesi has singled out the creation of six million work opportunities for poor and unemployed people as one...

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The Quebec City Marathon Events is to be run over the weekend of the 22nd August 2014. The event held in the city of Quebec, Canada, also provides for a half marathon for those not ready to tackle the full distance of 42km. The Marathon and Half Marathon, along with the Oasis 10km is to [...]Quebec City Marathon for August 2014 is a post from: Time-to-Run Marathon



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