More nations to press for peace

International powers are to put pressure on South Sudan's leaders to end the country's civil war, diplomats said on Thursday, with China, the United States, the African Union and the United Nations ready to kick-start stalled peace talks.

Over a year of talks mediated by East Africa's eight-country Intergovernmental Authority on Development bloc have failed to make headway, with the most recent attempt breaking down last month and rebel forces accusing regional nations of bias.

The UN Security Council has passed a resolution paving the way for targeted sanctions.