DHAKA: A South Sudan army general has been killed in an ambush as government forces advance on the rebel-held town of Bor.

In Ethiopia, meanwhile, efforts to get the warring parties in South Sudan to agree a ceasefire continue.

Detailed talks between negotiating teams are due to start on Sunday, reports the BBC.

The conflict pits army units loyal to president Salva Kiir against rebel forces under sacked deputy president Riek Machar.

Fighting began on 15 December after the president accused Machar of attempting a coup against him - which he denies.

At least 1,000 people have been killed and nearly 200,000 displaced in the conflict, which has taken on ethnic overtones.

Kiir is from the Dinka community and Machar from the Nuer group.

The death of the senior army general in an ambush came as government forces advanced on Bor, according to the military. No further details were given.

BDST: 1938 HRS, JAN 05, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor