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S Sudan and Sudan 'consult on oil field force' S Sudan and Sudan 'consult on oilfield force'
(35 minutes later)
Sudan and South Sudan have begun talks to deploy a joint force to protect oilfields in the South threatened by rebels, Sudan's foreign minister says.Sudan and South Sudan have begun talks to deploy a joint force to protect oilfields in the South threatened by rebels, Sudan's foreign minister says.
The news comes after Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir flew to South Sudan to discuss the unrest there with his counterpart, Salva Kiir.The news comes after Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir flew to South Sudan to discuss the unrest there with his counterpart, Salva Kiir.
The conflict pits supporters of Mr Kiir against rebels led by his sacked deputy, Riek Machar.The conflict pits supporters of Mr Kiir against rebels led by his sacked deputy, Riek Machar.
At least 1,000 people have been killed since violence erupted on 15 December.At least 1,000 people have been killed since violence erupted on 15 December.
The violence started after Mr Kiir accused Mr Machar of attempting a coup - an allegation he denies.The violence started after Mr Kiir accused Mr Machar of attempting a coup - an allegation he denies.
Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced in the conflict, which has taken on ethnic undertones. Mr Kiir is from the majority Dinka community and Mr Machar from the Nuer group.Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced in the conflict, which has taken on ethnic undertones. Mr Kiir is from the majority Dinka community and Mr Machar from the Nuer group.
On Monday, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali Karti said Mr Bashir and Mr Kiir were "in consultations about the deployment of a mixed force to protect the oilfields in the South". Revenue threatened
South Sudan ended up with most of the oil fields after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of conflict. On Monday, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali Karti said Mr Bashir and Mr Kiir were "in consultations about the deployment of a mixed force to protect the oilfields in the South".
South Sudan ended up with most of the oilfields after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of conflict.
But it has to export the oil using pipelines through ports in Sudan's territory. The government in Khartoum now fears the pipelines will be disrupted by the fighting in the South.But it has to export the oil using pipelines through ports in Sudan's territory. The government in Khartoum now fears the pipelines will be disrupted by the fighting in the South.
Separately, the two warring parties in South Sudan have begun direct talks in Ethiopia aiming at a ceasefire. No substantive progress has yet been made. The BBC's South Sudan analyst James Copnall says it will be an extraordinary development if Sudanese forces return to the South.
At least two million people died during the north-south conflict.
Separately, the two warring parties in South Sudan have begun direct talks in Ethiopia aiming at a ceasefire.
However, not much progress has been made so far, Mr Kiir said at a news conference with President Bashir in the South Sudanese capital, Juba.
Mr Kiir said his government would not meet Mr Machar's demand to release 11 of his political allies accused of plotting a coup.
They would be held accountable for the violence in South Sudan, he added.
President Bashir called on the two sides to end the conflict through dialogue, saying Sudan would not back the rebels.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also due to hold talks with the opposing factions, in an attempt to push them to agree to a cessation of hostilities.
China is a major investor in South Sudan's oil industry.
Heavy fighting
Heavy fighting is continuing to the south of Bor, one of two cities held by rebels, says the BBC's Alastair Leithead, who was on the road between Juba and Bor.
Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced in the conflict.
The rebels include a former military division made up of thousands of men who switched sides, our correspondent says.
Until a ceasefire is agreed, fighting is expected to continue or even intensify, he adds.
The latest trouble has its roots in tensions that go back long before 2011.