REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KHARTOUM -- South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday warned against imposition of new sanctions on his country, saying any sanctions would only further escalate the current tension.

"At this time, discussion of sanctions is unproductive," said Kiir in a statement released by his office.

"Sanctions will only serve to fan the flames of the current tensions. They will neither speed up dialogue nor feed and employ the people of South Sudan," he added.

Last week, the UN Security Council (UNSC) condemned the escalating violence in South Sudan, expressing willingness to impose sanctions against those who threaten peace and stability in the newly-born state.