No, I think we have seen that they have been involved in some of the fighting.

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

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

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

Thank you, Chairman Royce.

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

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 have to sustain our engagement with them to get them through this process.

We're also pressuring the governments in this country as well as around the region not to use child soldiers.

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

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.

But just as each act of violence may ignite retribution, each step toward peace offers the chance to rebuild.