Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States does not expect the conflict in Sudan
to erupt into war.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has assessed
that tensions could grow between the Republic of Sudan and the new country
of South Sudan. But they said neither side has the stomach for another war.

“I don’t think either Sudan or South Sudan wants or intends to go back to full-scale war,” Princeton Lyman. U.S. special envoy for Sudan, said. “I’m almost totally convinced of that.”

The assertion was issued as South Sudan placed its military on high alert. The alert was declared after Sudanese Air Force jets bombed refugee camps in the Upper Nile.

In a briefing on Jan. 25, Lyman said fighting along the border of the two countries would continue. He also cited the crude oil dispute between Juba and Khartoum as well as the future Abyei.

“That doesn’t mean that they have a good relationship at all and that there aren’t a lot of friction points on the border, over Abyei, over oil,” Lyman said. “But I think both sides recognize that going back to full-scale war would be disastrous.”

In December, the United States approved military exports to South
Sudan as well as assistance to the nation’s oil sector. The Juba government
has sought aircraft and air defense systems.

Khartoum has been bombing border areas of South Sudan, including a
refugee camp. Sudan has accused Juba of helping the rebellion.

“That’s just not accurate. Even if there were assistance from the South,
that isn’t what’s at the heart of this conflict,” Lyman said.

  Abyei, Barack Obama, Juba, Princeton Lyman, Sudanese Air Force, U.S. doubts new war in Sudan as jets bomb refugee camps, U.S. envoy: Khartoum, Upper Nile