UN calls on Sudan to withdraw troops from Abyei

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Friday demanded that Sudan withdraw its troops from Abyei and that it halt looting and attacks in the region that it disputes with rival southern Sudan.

A Security Council statement said the Khartoum government's military operations in Abyei are a "serious violation" of a peace accord with southern Sudan.

"The council demands that the government of Sudan withdraw immediately from the Abyei area," said the statement. "The council calls on the Sudanese armed forces to ensure an immediate halt to all looting, burning and illegal resettlement."

Khartoum government troops seized Abyei last month, escalating tensions with southern Sudan, which is due to formally declare its own independence from the north on July 9. (AFP)