The United States condemns this week's violent clashes in the Abyei region and urges all parties to refrain from taking actions or making statements that could further heighten tensions there. The United States calls on local and national authorities to ensure that the UN Mission in Sudan has the access required to protect civilians, increase patrols where fighting is taking place, and engage with local leaders to restore calm.

We welcome news that officials plan to meet tomorrow in Abyei town in an effort to finalize arrangements for a peaceful migration in line with agreements already reached. At the same time, we urge the parties to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement to renew their efforts to reach agreement on the final status of Abyei, consistent with the Abyei Protocol and ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.