The African Union (AU) expressed deep concern here today over the escalation of fighting between Sudan and the South Sudan, asking Juba to withdraw from the oil-rich borderline region of Hijlij, which both countries claim. It also asked the two sides to keep restraint and to respect each other territorial integrity. The African Union is trying to establish a mediation to ease the tense relations between Juba and Khartoum since the independence of the South Sudan, last July. -- SPA
