African Union mediators have made a proposal to ease escalating tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.

The proposal, outlined by former South African president Thabo Mbeki Wednesday, calls for a cessation of hostilities, a withdrawal of all forces from each other's territory, and a summit between the two countries' presidents.

Mr. Mbeki told reporters that South Sudan delegates accepted the document and are ready to sign. But, he said Sudanese delegates first want to take the document back to Khartoum for consultations.

Mr. Mbeki added the sides are not at an impasse.

The AU has hosted multiple rounds of talks between Sudan and South Sudan in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.

The sides have been at sharp odds over issues stemming from the south's independence last July, including borders, the sharing of oil revenue, and the status of nationals in each other's territory.

The north has accused the south of supporting rebels in the states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, while the south says the north has conducted repeated airstrikes, including some near refugee camps.