DHAKA: Sudan`s President Omar al-Bashir is to travel to Juba for talks with President Salva Kiir over the conflict in South Sudan, state media 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, reports BBC.

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

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

`Peaceful resolution`

The unrest started after South Sudan`s president accused 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 Dinka community and Machar from the Nuer group.

State media in Sudan reported that President Bashir would head to the South Sudanese capital, Juba, on Monday to discuss the crisis with Kiir - but gave no further details.

BDST: 1135 HRS, JAN 06 , 2014
RS