The African Union emphasizes the imperative for the scrupulous implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on non-aggression and cooperation between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 15, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, continues to closely follow the negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan on their post‐secession relations and the steps being taken for their successful conclusion.

In this respect, the Chairperson of the Commission stresses the critical importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Non‐Aggression and Cooperation signed by Sudan and South Sudan in Addis Ababa, on 10 February 2012, during the extraordinary meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM). He reminds the Parties of the obligations they have contracted under the MoU and the imperative of strictly and faithfully abiding by their commitments. The AU will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground, with a view to keeping the Peace and Security Council (PSC) fully informed of the implementation status of the MoU, especially in view of the continued allegations and counter‐allegations of incidents, bombardments and troop movements along the common border.

The Chairperson of the Commission would like to echo the call made by the 310th meeting of the PSC for Sudan and South Sudan to refrain from any action and statement likely to complicate the situation and to expeditiously complete the ongoing negotiations on their post‐secession relations. In this regard, he urges the leadership in the two countries to demonstrate the required spirit of compromise and mutual accommodation, as well as to extend unreserved cooperation to the AU High‐Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), in the conduct of its facilitation role.