Bashir returns home after Juba visit

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir returned home Tuesday from Juba, the capital of South Sudan, after cooperation talks with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir. The one-day visit tackled a number of issues of mutual interest, especially those connected with borders and Abyei region. The meeting came amid African and international pressures to strike a deal on the disputed Abyei region and other issues left unresolved since South Sudan won independence. Officials described the talks held by the two leaders as fruitful. South Sudan seceded from Sudan on 9 July 2011, following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 that gave room for a referendum on self-determination in January 2011 which consequently led to separation. However, issues of nationality, shared borders, the oil proceeds and security have remained unresolved between the two countries. Source: MENA