Ban commends Sudan, S Sudan for progress on disputes

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Wednesday commended the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan for the progress they achieved during the African Union-led talks in Ethiopia on post-independence issues, his press office said in a statement. "Coming to an agreement on the status of nationals of each state and the demarcation of the common boundary is an important step forward and an encouraging manifestation of both parties' spirit of cooperation and partnership," the statement said. Ban welcomed the upcoming Summit between the Presidents of the two countries in Juba, South Sudan's capital, to sign both agreements, and encouraged them to resolve all other outstanding matters as a matter of urgency, and make the necessary compromise that will guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for both nations. South Sudan became independent from Sudan last July 9th. On the first issue, both parties agreed that nationals from each state shall now enjoy in the other state the freedom of residence; of movement; of economic activity; and, of buying and selling properties. On the issue of demarcation of the border, Sudan agreed to pay back oil it had withheld from South Sudan since January, while the latter will pay back to Khartoum months of unpaid oil transit fees. South Sudan is rich in crude oil but relies on a pipeline, refineries and a port in Sudan to transit it. During the summit, the two countries will negotiate a commercial agreement on the transfer of oil and how much Sudan should be compensated for losing its oil-rich south.