On Tuesday the African Union said a new round of talks will begin between Sudan and South Sudan in Addis Ababa on June 21, to discuss the outstanding issues including border security, and a demilitarised safe area.

In a statement head of the AU Commission, Jean Ping said the next meeting will focus on border demarcation and creating a demilitarised zone, an agreement would allow progress to be made on other outstanding issues.

He added that the two sides put forward maps and proposals regarding the border area during the previous talks in Ethiopia from May 27 to June 7.

He said although each side rejected the other's proposals they are in fact closer to reaching an agreement.