Ban Ki-Moon concerned about North-South tension

Condemns Sudanese air strike on South Sudan and asks both governments to exercise restraintUN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon expressed deep concern on Tuesday over the escalating tension between the governments of Sudan and South Sudan.Ban Ki-Moon particularly pointed out at the accusations from both sides about cross-border support for rebel groups and incursions into the others’ territory, according to a report on the UN Radio.During a speech on the festive occasion of Eid al-Adha, Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir accused his Southern counterpart of providing support to northern rebels against the rule in Khartoum. As a response to that, Kiir accused Bashir of invading South Sudan’s territory.To add fuel to the fire, the Sudanese Air Force (SAF) bombed Ida refugee camp in South Sudan’s Unity state last week. Ban Ki-Moon condemned these attacks by the Sudanese air crafts on South Sudanese soil and paid condolences to the families of those affected.Meanwhile, the secretary-general also condemned the newly formed coalition between various opposition groups called the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF). Ban Ki-Moon called on the SRF to refrain from using force and reiterated that the conflict can only be resolved through political dialogue.He also requested the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to exercise restraint in dealing with cross-border tensions, and demanded a re-commitment to the negotiated settlement of outstanding issues in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).