South Sudan's President Salva Kiir will not attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting this month in New York, government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth said.

In remarks after a cabinet meeting Friday, Makuei said Vice President James Wani Igga has already been designated to represent South Sudan's government.

He said the invitation extended by the UN was given to President Kiir on too short notice.

Makeui further also applauded Russia and Angola for opposing moves at the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on SPLA chief of staff Paul Malong and a rebel commander Johnson Olony.

The US had proposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the two men for continuing to fuel the conflict.

Separately, armed opposition leader Riek Machar welcomed Russia's involvement in solving Sudanese and African problems, especially issues pertaining to justice and democracy, to create a balance on the continent.

Speaking to Sputnik news agency, Machar said Russia has economic activity in the Nile Basin countries especially Uganda and South Sudan.

He noted that Russia’s role to support the two warring parties  in South Sudan is neutral, saying Russia has interests in South Sudan.