Sudan says it's ready for peace

WASHINGTON, May 8 (UPI) -- The government of Sudan declared its readiness to support a cease-fire agreement with South Sudan outlined by a U.N. Security Council resolution.

The Security Council, in a unanimous vote last week, called on Sudan and South Sudan to end their fighting and return to the negotiating table within two weeks. If both sides refuse, potential ramifications could include Chapter VII sanctions, which authorize the use of force.

The Sudanese government, in a statement from its embassy in the United States, said it was ready to honor the resolution. Khartoum, the statement adds, "notes with concern" ongoing occupation and repeated attacks on Sudanese territory by members of the South Sudanese military.

Tensions escalated last month when forces from South Sudan seized oil fields in Heglig across the ill-defined border separating it from Sudan.

"These provocations, in addition to the threats of reoccupying Heglig, could leave Sudan with no other option but to invoke the right to self-defense," said Khartoum.

South Sudan gained independence in July as part of a comprehensive peace agreement reached in 2005. Ongoing territorial disputes, ethnic rivalries and conflicts over oil are pushing both sides to the brink of war.

"The government of Sudan hopes that the other party will commit to the terms of the resolution, ending all provocations and begin its unconditional withdrawal of its forces from the disputed areas to avoid any response from Sudan," the statement read.