Sudan is reported to have pulled its forces from the disputed Abyei region Tuesday, shortly after peace talks resumed with South Sudan.

The Sudanese Media Center, which has ties to the government, said troops had handed over facilities in Abyei to United Nations peacekeepers. South Sudan pulled its forces out of the oil-producing region earlier this month.

Meanwhile, negotiators for the two countries have launched their first direct talks since cross-border clashes erupted in late March.

The African Union is mediating the talks in Addis Ababa. Sudan and South Sudan are locked in bitter disputes stemming from the South's independence last year, mostly involving borders and oil.

Speaking to VOA just before the new talks, the South's chief negotiator, Pagan Amum, said his side had returned to the bargaining table with an open mind and hoped Sudan would make a true effort to resolve the issues.

The last round of talks broke down after clashes between Sudan and South Sudan raised fears of all-out war.

The unrest included the South's occupation of the disputed Heglig oil town and alleged Sudanese airstrikes on southern territory.