Bashir meets Mbeki to resolve petroleum crisis

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir met with former South African president Thabo Mbeki during the latter's recent visit to Khartoum. The visit came in aid to resolve the petroleum differences between Sudan and South Sudan. Mbeki said in a press statement: "I discussed the pending issues with the Sudanese president, including Juba's support for the rebel movements in Sudan. We discussed the possibility of creating a demilitarised zone between the two countries." He added that the a committee will begin a meeting in Khartoum in the coming hours, whilst a second group will look into complaints submitted by Sudan accusing the South Sudanese government of providing support to the insurgents. The former South African leader affirmed he came to Khartoum with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom to express appreciation to the Sudanese president for accepting proposals submitted by the African Union. He revealed that they exerted efforts in consultation with South Sudan's government to resolve the current crisis, and a meeting will be held with South Sudan's president Silva Kiir during their visit to Juba on Friday.