Sudan President in Juba for talks

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has arrived in Juba for talks with President Salva Kiir over the conflict in South Sudan, reports say.

Fighting is continuing in South Sudan as the warring parties meet in Ethiopia to try to agree a ceasefire. So far no substantive progress has been made.

The conflict pits supporters of Mr Kiir against rebels led by his sacked deputy, Riek Machar.

At least 1,000 people have been killed since violence erupted on 15 December.

The unrest started after South Sudan's president accused Mr Machar of attempting a coup - which he denies.

Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced in the conflict, which has taken on ethnic undertones. Mr Kiir is from the majority Dinka community and Mr Machar from the Nuer group.

'Peaceful resolution'

State media in Sudan reported that President Bashir had gone to the South Sudanese capital, Juba, on Monday with a team of ministers to give their support for a regional initiative to solve the crisis.

East Africa's Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) is trying to mediate between the South Sudanese government and its opponents.

President Bashir arrived in Juba to lend his support for peace talks, state media said

Displaced South Sudanese people at a UN camp in Juba.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict

South Sudanese rebel delegation chief Taban Deng (R) shakes hands with South Sudanese leader of the government's delegation Nial Deng Nial

South Sudan's warring parties are negotiating in Ethiopia

Sudan relies on revenue from oil transported through its southern neighbours' pipelines, which Khartoum fears will be disrupted by the fighting.

Up until Friday, the talks in Addis Ababa were conducted by mediators. Now, teams representing the opposing factions in South Sudan are expected to negotiate face to face.

A preliminary meeting was held late on Saturday. Key issues are establishing a ceasefire, and the rebels' demand for the release of what they see as political prisoners.

South Sudanese citizens from the Jonglei State are pictured on a truck in Juba on January 4, 2014 as they try to leave for Uganda.

Nearly 200,000 people displaced in the conflict, which has taken on ethnic undertones

But substantive talks failed to get under way on Sunday, delayed by disagreements over the agenda and - an official was quoted as saying - by "protocol issues".

It seems each side is trying to gain as much leverage on the battlefield before they even consider a ceasefire, says the BBC's Africa editor Richard Hamilton.

The international mediators may be losing patience with South Sudan's leaders whose delays are costing hundreds of lives, he says.

It is now hoped talks will begin in earnest on Monday.

Fresh fighting

Heavy fighting is continuing to the south of Bor, one of two cities held by rebels, says the BBC's Alastair Leithead, who is on the road between Juba and Bor.

The rebels are a former military division made up of thousands of men who switched sides, our correspondent says.

Until a ceasefire is agreed, fighting is expected to continue or even intensify, he adds.

On Sunday, a South Sudanese army general was killed when a government convoy was ambushed.

South Sudan is the world's newest state. It was formed in 2011, gaining independence from Sudan after decades of conflict.

The latest trouble has its roots in tensions that go back long before 2011.

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