Ethiopia, Sudan both release detained travellers

The state governments of Sudan's Blue Nile and the Beni Shangul in Ethiopia have reached an understanding on the release of 35 persons who had crossed the border.

The 22 Ethiopian citizens crossed the border without formal procedures and entered Blue Nile state, where they were arrested. Ethiopian authorities held 13 citizens from Blue Nile for the same reasons.

State government spokesman El Nazir Fadullah said the parties agreed to release their detainees and resolve the problem.

He announced on Thursday that arrangements are in place to secure the border. Fadullah added that the local governments aim to cooperate in the fields of culture and training, especially tourism, and wish to establish a zoo near the Sudan-Ethiopia border.