South Sudan says it agrees in principle to the suggestions put forward by the African Union in the talks at Addis Ababa, regarding border demarcation of Abyei.

Chairman of the Supervisory Joint Committee Luka Biong said South Sudan proposed a package of solutions including a referendum, to develop safeguards to protect Misseriya and other pastoral tribes that have coexisted in the area.

He said these proposals were rejected by Sudan amid growing concern at the failure of the latest round of talks.

150 Sudanese troops were reported last week for entering the disputed area and violating UN Security Council Resolution 2046, calling for both sides to withdraw.

Sudan said the troops were deployed to 'protect and ensure the safety and security of our oil infrastructures.'