Sudan, S. Sudan discuss border issues

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 31 (UPI) -- A delegation from South Sudan said it wanted to set a joint administration to oversee disputed border territories with Sudan.

Sudanese and South Sudanese delegates met for peace negotiations in Ethiopia this week. South Sudan became an independent country in July under the terms of a 2005 peace agreement, though border conflicts, ethnic rivalries and disputes over oil threaten the fragile peace.

South Sudanese officials in Addis Ababa have suggested turning disputed border regions into demilitarized zones governed by a joint authority, the independent Sudan Tribune reports. They added that Sudan should pledge "in writing" to end its support for rebel forces operating in border regions.

Sudan expressed concern over rebel factions within the Sudanese military.

Khartoum announced last week it agreed to resume peace negotiations with South Sudan's government under the auspices of the African Union.

The agreement followed meetings between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, chairman of an AU panel on Sudan.