(VOVworld)- South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Wednesday called on parties concerned to end their conflict.

People gather at a makeshift IDP camp at the UN Mission in South Sudan compound in Juba on Dec 22, 2013. Photo: AFP

Government troops have been exchanging fire with insurgents loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar. President Kiir said that civilian deaths and violence between tribes is “unacceptable”.  UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon sent a message to the people of South Sudan, calling on their leaders to resolve their differences peacefully. Ban pledged UN support for South Sudan in this difficult time. The European Commission (EC) said that Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy assigned special envoy Alex Rondos to help South Sudan find a political solution and establish contact with neighboring countries and regional organizations. The peace and Security Council of the African Union called on all parties in South Sudan to act with patriotic spirit to further national interests.