UN chief denounces seizure of oil-rich Heglig by South Sudan

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:53PM GMT

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has criticized South Sudan’s seizure of the disputed oil-producing Heglig region in neighboring Sudan, calling it an “illegal act.”

“This is an infringement on the sovereignty of Sudan and a clearly illegal act,” Ban said on Thursday, urging South Sudan to immediately withdraw its forces from the town of Heglig.

Ban further called on both Sudan and South Sudan to settle the dispute through negotiation in order to avoid additional escalation of tension.

“The last thing the people of these two countries need is another war, a war that could claim countless lives, destroy hope and ruin the prospects of peace and stability and prosperity of all Sudanese people,” Ban said.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir had earlier on Thursday promised to retake Heglig.

South Sudan captured Heglig last week, triggering border clashes that have edged the African neighbors closer to an all-out war.

In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Bashir said he would "liberate" South Sudan from its ruling party.

The UN Security Council has discussed imposing sanctions on the African neighbors if they do not stop the violent clashes.

South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011, after decades of conflict with the north. The new oil-rich nation is one of the least developed countries in the world, where one in seven children dies before the age of five.

PM/MA