
rth and South Sudan ended their first negotiations on Sunday, since the south gained independence three months ago, over disputes ranging from sharing negotiations to ending violence in border areas. The president of South Susan, Salva Kiir, held two days of talks with Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, to ease tensions that have grown since South Sudan became independent. Sudan president Omar Al-Bashir said, "It was agreed upon to establish committees with a specific timetable to reach final solutions. God willing, we expect in a short time to sign a final agreement and celebrate solving all the issues between both countries." A lack of a joint banking system and trade agreements get in the way of cross-border commerce between north and south. Kiir urged his northern counterpart to sign the agreement as soon as possible, once all disputes are resolved. "I return today to Juba to ensure that we reach solutions to all pending issues. Let's sign an agreement as soon as possible," Kiir said. The United States has urged both sides to speed up talks, especially for a deal on how to divide oil revenues, the dominant source of revenue for both states. The Juba region has most of the oil, but must pay a fee to use northern export facilities, and thus far the countries have failed to reach an agreement on the issue. Speakers: Sudan president Omar Al-Bashir President of South Susan, Salva Kiir Voice: Mourad Kricha Mustapha Ajbaili By: Ikram Al Yacoub Al Arabiya With Agencies
North
South
Sudan
negotiations
oil revenues
violence
Salva Kiir
South Susan
Omar Hassan al-Bashir
commerce
United States
Juba
exports
Ikram Al Yacoub
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