Irony: 37 people killed at South Sudan peace meeting.

You just can't make this kind of stuff up.

At least 37 people have been killed in South Sudan during a shoot-out at a peace meeting aimed at ending recent violence, officials said.

Officials from three states and the UN had met for talks in the remote town of Mayendit in Unity state in an effort to reduce inter-ethnic tensions.

Those killed in the gun battle included civilians, but most were police.

The talks were called after a series of clashes, including one in which 74 people died earlier this week.
Thousands of people have been displaced in the violence.

According to the UN, Friday's incident occurred after a row broke out at the meeting. Four trucks arrived filled with gunmen, who opened fire indiscriminately.

The gunmen included policemen from different units, soldiers and security guards, according to AFP news agency.