Sudan, Chad mending fences

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The leaders of Sudan and Chad said Tuesday they have taken steps to end diplomatic tensions between the two African nations

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said he and Chadian President Idriss Deby "have turned the page of our differences and disputes between the two states," the BBC reported.

"From today, our common battle is the realization of peace, security and stability for the affluence of the people of the two states," al-Bashir said.

Al-Bashir called for the resumption of full diplomatic relations between the two countries, which had accused each other of fomenting rebellions. Deby, who spent two days meeting with his counterpart in Sudan, extended an invitation to al-Bashir to visit Chad.

Deby also urged Chadian rebels operating out of Sudan to lay down their arms, saying they would not be harmed upon returning home.

Scott Gration, a special U.S. envoy to Sudan, told the British network the development was a good start but said progress will depend on the countries reducing the power of militias operating under their auspices.