South Sudan says won't withdraw troops

[April 12, 2012]  JUBA, South Sudan (AP) -- South Sudan's president says the nation will not withdraw its troops that this week entered a disputed border region with Sudan.

Speaking Thursday in front of parliament, President Salva Kiir said the country's military would also re-enter another disputed area, Abyei, currently occupied by Sudan if the United Nations does not urge Sudan to withdraw.

Troops from South Sudan on Wednesday captured the oil-rich border town of Heglig that is claimed by Sudan, whose troops withdrew under the onslaught.

Heglig has been the focal point of more than two weeks of clashes between the two nations. Both sides claim the area. Sudan operates Heglig's oil facilities, which account for nearly half of the country's daily production.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.