South Sudan conflict: UN sanctions deadline loomsBy BBC | Friday, May 4   2012 at  16:27

The two-day UN ultimatum given to Sudan and South Sudan to end fighting or face sanctions expires later on Friday.

But South Sudan's military spokesman said there were fresh bombings by the Khartoum government's forces.

Sudan has promised to cease hostilities and comply with a UN Security Council resolution.

However, it also said Khartoum reserved the right to respond to "aggression" from South Sudan, which seceded last year following a long civil war.

The UN resolution on Wednesday backed an African Union plan demanding both sides cease hostilities, amid fears of an all-out war between the neighbours.

The Security Council called for a written commitment by both governments within 48 hours, and threatened sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, if its terms were not met.

South Sudan has already said it accepts the terms of the roadmap.

Roadmap

Under the roadmap, the two countries have until next Tuesday to restart negotiations and three months to reach an agreement.
High tension

In a statement, Sudan's foreign ministry spokesman said Sudan would "fully commit to what has been issued in the resolution about stopping hostilities with South Sudan according to the time limits issued".

It added that it hoped the "other party will commit to stop the hostilities completely and withdraw its troops from the disputed areas so as not to put SAF [Sudanese Armed Forces] in a situation where it has to defend itself".