SOUTHERN SUDAN

The United States blamed South Sudan's government for the latest hold-up in efforts to end its civil war, but warned both sides the world will not tolerate backsliding. Rebel leader Riek Machar had been due to fly to Juba from Ethiopia on Saturday to join a transitional government, but President Salva Kiir's government blocked his flight. He was again to show up for a peace meeting on Monday, but that also failed to materialise. This marks the third time this week that plans for Machar to return have been frustrated by one side or the other. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on today to discuss the crisis and that both sides could face additional international sanctions. To discuss this matter further we are joined on the line by:His Excellency Philip Jada Natana: Sudan Ambassador to South AfricaProfessor Fanie Vermaak: Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of South AfricaNyagoah Tut: Amnesty International campaigner in South Sudan based in Nairobi Kenya