PSC/PR/BR.(CDLI) Page 1 PRESS STATEMENT The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 451st meeting, held on 21 August 2014was briefed by the Chairperson of the Special Envoys of the InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for South Sudan, on the situation in that country. Council also received statements from the representatives of the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in its capacity as the Chair of IGAD, as well as from, the representatives of Nigeria, Rwanda, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the United Nations and the European Union. Council recalled its earlier communiqués and press statements on the situation in South Sudan and, in this regard, expressed its deep concern over the resumption of fighting in South Sudan which continues to cause untold suffering to the South Sudanese population. In this context, Council reiterated its strong condemnation of the flagrant violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreements signed by the Parties. Council urged the Parties, in the interest of their country and its people, to bring to an immediate end to the current fighting and expedite the IGAD-facilitated Talks aimed at restoring peace in South Sudan. Council appealed to the Parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected population and to ensure the protection of humanitarian aid agencies. Council reiterated its readiness to impose targeted multilateral sanctions and any other forms of punitive measures against any party that fails to honor its commitments and continues to undermine the search for a negotiated solution to the current crisis. Council looks forward to the successful convening of the forthcoming IGAD Summit on the situation in South Sudan.