The U.S. special envoy to Sudan Princeton Lyman arrived in the Sudanese capital Wednesday for talks with officials of the ruling National Congress Party, including Foreign Minister Ali Karti. Ambassador Lyman traveled to Khartoum in the wake of recent fighting in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states. Following his meetings in Khartoum, he warned authorities in the newly independent South Sudan to avoid military interference in the conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
Last week authorities in South Sudan denied any involvement in the conflict. However, Khartoum maintains it has evidence that Juba is providing aid to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) northern sector in Blue Nile state.
Lyman urged the SPLM-northern sector and Khartoum to give unhindered access to humanitarian organizations to help the thousands of civilians displaced by the conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. He also warned both sides that if they allow the crisis to escalate it could spread to the rest of Sudan.
Lyman says the recent fighting in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile is making it difficult for Washington to normalize relations with Khartoum.
Lyman is expected to travel to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to prepare for post secession talks on the outstanding issues between Khartoum and Juba, which include border demarcation and citizenship.
