evidence: Peacekeeping chief encouraged by ‘warming’ relations between Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations told the Security Council on Wednesday that he was encouraged by a thaw in relations between South Sudan and Sudan, now that both have established national committees on the question of Abyei, the disputed oil-rich border territory claimed by both countries. [...] Regarding Abyei, he said "the long-standing deadlock has hindered any progress, besides leaving the area with a clearly defined status that has continued to stoke instability."