Sudan Accepts AU Peace Roadmap

The African Union says Sudan has accepted an AU roadmap for halting violence and resolving issues with neighboring South Sudan.

A statement late Wednesday said AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping received a letter from Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti saying Khartoum accepted "in principle" the plan put forth by the AU last week.

The roadmap gives the two countries 90 days to settle their issues or face binding international arbitration. The AU said South Sudan accepted the plan earlier this week.

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution Wednesday calling on the two countries to halt fighting and reach an agreement on oil, border and citizenship issues, or face possible sanctions.

The African Union said it is making arrangements for the "urgent resumption" of negotiations of all pending issues. Prior AU-mediated talks between the two Sudans have produced little progress.