WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- Sudanese parties are called on to settle outstanding issues surrounding South Sudan's independence by the end of the month, the U.S. State Department said.
Washington in 2005 helped broker a comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan that ended a brutal civil war. Voters in January overwhelmingly backed a measure that granted South Sudan independence under the 2005 agreement though borders disputes and issues over oil threaten to unravel the peace deal.
The State Department said both sides made "encouraging progress" regarding the region of Abyei, which lies along border between the north and south. Other issues such as debt relief and currency have shown progress, the State Department added.
"While these agreements reflect significant achievements, we remain concerned that several critical outstanding issues remain unresolved, including questions relating to the oil sector and the final status of Abyei," the statement read.
Abyei was left out of the January referendum because of voter eligibility issues. Meanwhile, fighting is reportedly continuing in South Kordofan state along the border region.
Washington said it was encouraging Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to work with African leaders to overcome lingering obstacles to peace.
South Sudan becomes the world's newest country Saturday.
