Sudan vows to teach South Sudan 'a final lesson'

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South Sudan military vehicles drive on the road between Bentiu and Heglig this week. Last week South Sudan seized Heglig, the most important oil-producing area in neighboring Sudan, after which Sudan’s parliament declared South Sudan an enemy that must be defeated. (Adriane Ohanesian, AFP/Getty Images / April 19, 2012)

The African rivals slide closer to war over their contested border. U.N. chief urges them to avoid a ruinous conflict.
By Alsanosi Ahmed, David Lukan and Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times
April 20, 2012

KHARTOUM, Sudan — Sudan and its southern rival slid toward a ruinous war Thursday, with fighting continuing along their contested border and Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir threatening to teach the world's newest country "a final lesson by force."

A protracted war between Sudan and South Sudan, which separated peacefully in July, would almost certainly have a devastating civilian toll and seriously damage the oil sector on which both economies depend.

But diplomacy has gotten nowhere, and civilians on both sides were urging their governments not to back down. The two sides fought a civil war for more than two decades, which killed an estimated 2 million people. Analysts said that unless they can be pressed to return to the negotiating table now, the chances for them to coexist peacefully may be lost for years or even decades.

South Sudan seized Heglig, Sudan's most important oil-producing area, last week, after which Sudan's parliament declared that the new country was an enemy that must be defeated. Bashir has called South Sudan's military "insects" and vowed to "liberate" its territory.

More: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-sudan-south-threats-20120420,0,4219650.story

Mr. President, we must stop this war!

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