Clinton urges Sudan, South Sudan reconciliation

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday urged leaders of South Sudan and their counterparts in the north to quickly reach agreements on oil revenue and other pressing issues to resolve festering differences that threaten to re-ignite a decades-long conflict, according to AP. Clinton flew to South Sudan's capital of Juba for a brief visit to congratulate the nascent nation on its anniversary and offer U.S. support, but, more importantly, to stress the urgency of ending disputes with Sudan over oil and territory. Those disputes have led to clashes between the two countries which many fear could crater the 2005 peace deal that ended what was then Africa's longest-running civil war. "While South Sudan and Sudan have become separate states, their fortunes and their futures remain inextricably linked," Clinton said at a news conference. "Now it is urgent that both sides, north and south, follow through and reach timely agreements on all outstanding issues. The people of South Sudan expect it." The two sides had faced a Thursday U.N. Security Council deadline to reach agreement on the issues or face possible sanctions, but the council deferred action until at least Wednesday.