Linda Thomas-Greenfield

I'm sure at the point that she spoke to you we may have been making progress and, certainly, having gone through what we've gone through over the past 2 weeks in dealing with the situation on the ground there we are certainly reassessing…

We have made clear to the rebels that we will not recognize a violent overthrow of a democratically-elected government and at the same time we have urged the government to open political space to allow for greater inclusion.

I think we're moving forward toward a cessation of hostilities so maybe that's a bit of progress right now.

We do not support their efforts and that those who are involved in activities that are interfering with peace... will be held accountable.

What you're doing today is helpful. It lets the South Sudanese know that what is happening there has a tremendous interest across our Government.

We still support the right of this small nation to exist.

I think that would disappoint a lot of people who have spent most of their lives in South Sudan fighting for their freedom.

We think one of the key areas after the cessation of hostilities and the political dialogue starts is that there are discussions on their constitutional formation.

It is important, we believe, to continue to maintain a diplomatic presence.

I think we have to stay engaged with South Sudan.

It is a result of political ambitions and a combination of lack of political space in a country where the institutions are not well established to deal with those kinds of conflicts.

We still support the use of peacekeeping operations on the continent of Africa.

We have not provided any lethal support to South Sudan at all.

Thank you, Chairman Royce.

the security of our people in Sudan and everywhere where we have Embassies in the world is our highest priority.

I think that no one is questioning the logic of South Sudan.

I think both sides are equally guilty but we have been able to recently get some humanitarian flights into some of the northern areas where we were--the U.N. was blocked.

We have watched that very closely and I think I can say that we have not seen any evidence that any support we are providing for that operation is being used to support the separate operation that we're not connected to.

The U.N. does not have the capacity at the moment to provide full protection and support that is needed.

It actually started the violence... and it is becoming more ethnic and tribal but it didn't start that way.

Since the conflict started we've evacuated more than 300--no, more than 400 American citizens.

Part of the problem is the lack of opportunity and education for children.

We are hearing about youth militias. Individuals are being armed in communities.

We think there should be a cessation of hostilities immediately and we're pushing at the same time but separately that the detainees be released.

This is inter-tribal and it's a clash of personalities.