The United States is pushing for the United Nations Security Council to approve a draft resolution that would send thousands of peacekeepers to Sudan's disputed Abyei region.

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, said Thursday the resolution would authorize the deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian troops to the region, which lies on the north-south border.

The peacekeepers are needed under a deal reached earlier this week to end fighting between the north and south. The agreement also calls for a complete demilitarization of the oil-rich region and a council to oversee security.

Southern Sudan is set to declare independence next month.

Ambassador Rice also voiced concern Thursday about another volatile area along the border, saying the U.S. was “gravely concerned” about the situation in Southern Kordofan.

U.S. President Barack Obama Wednesday described the situation in Southern Kordofan state as “dire” and pressed the north and south to immediately impose a cease-fire.

Mr. Obama said there are reports that attacks are taking place in Southern Kordofan state based on ethnicity. He accused the north's Sudanese Armed Forces of bombing civilians and harassing and intimidating United Nations peacekeepers in the region.

He warned that if a cease-fire is not implemented, the Sudanese government will only face more international isolation.