Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton uit zorgen over grensconflict Soedan en Zuid-Soedan (en)

Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton i, on the clashes in the border region between

Sudan and South Sudan

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative is gravely concerned about the military clashes in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan. Recent cross-border attacks and continued aerial bombing represent a dangerous escalation of an already tense situation. Further cross-border military activity could result in a wider military confrontation.

The High Representative calls on both Sudan and South Sudan to exercise maximum restraint, cease military operations in the border area and respect the commitments they made in their 10 February Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Aggression and Cooperation.

The High Representative urges both parties to resume negotiations on outstanding post-secession issues, proceed with the planned Summit between the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan and make use of the forthcoming meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism in Addis Ababa to defuse tensions.

The EU reiterates its strong commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan and South Sudan and to the principle of two viable states".