Sudan: Presidents Bashir and Kiir Agree to End Dispute

By Staff  Writer

KHARTOUM---The president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, on his first two day visit to the Sudanese capital Khartoum as president, met Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to discussed issues that continue to produce tensions between the two countries.

Both the presidents, pledged their commitment “not to go back to war" over unresolved issues - disputed oil-rich border region of Abyei and how to share oil revenue which is the life-line of both nations. The conflicts started when South Sudan became independent in early July.

Both leaders said they took inspiration from the lengthy negotiations that brought about the 2005 peace agreement.

In an interview with reporters on Sunday, the two leaders said committees are being formed in an attempt to end the disputes which have led to fears of a return to civil war.   Kiir said his government is ready to discuss solutions "to all outstanding issues." Bashir said deadlines have been established. But he did not provide further details.

Some diplomats say the fact that the two leaders agreed to meet is a positive sign while others say Mr Kiir's two-day visit, which began on Saturday, is unlikely to produce any landmark agreements, and is more of a confidence-building exercise that could lead to meaningful negotiations in the coming weeks.