Sudan Threatens to Take One-Fourth of South Sudan’s Oil

Posted November 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm (UTC-5)
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Sudan says it will take about a quarter of South Sudan’s oil from a pipeline under Sudan after talks on sharing oil revenue failed.

Sudanese officials say they have no plans to block South Sudan’s oil exports. Officials say they only want their fair share to help boost the country’s faltering economy. Sudan lost much of its oil revenue when the south became independent in July.

South Sudan officials call Sudan’s plans to take oil extortion and theft.

China, a major customer for Sudanese oil, is urging both sides to show restraint and keep the oil flowing.

Relations between Sudan and the newly-independent South Sudan have been tense with both sides unable to agree on several major issues, including how to split the country’s oil wealth.