27 March 2012 –The Security Council voiced deep alarm today over military clashes on the border area between Sudan and South Sudan, saying the confrontation threatens to reignite conflict between the two countries.

Warning that the clashes could also worsen the humanitarian situation along the border area and lead to civilian casualties, members of the Council called on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to exercise maximum restraint.

They also urged the two governments to sustain dialogue to peacefully address the issues that have fuelled mistrust between them, including differences over oil, violence in the border region, citizenship and the dispute over the Abyei area.

"The members of the Security Council call upon Sudan and South Sudan to respect the letter and spirit of their February 10 Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Aggression and Cooperation," said a press statement read by Ambassador Mark Lyann of the United Kingdom, which holds the Council's presidency this month.

The 15-member United Nations body also recalled the statement issued by the President of the Council on March 6 reiterating members' grave concern about reports of repeated incidents of cross-border violence, including troop movements, support to proxy forces and aerial bombardments.

Members of the Council demanded that all parties cease military operations in the border areas and put an end to the cycle of violence. They also demanded that both governments take no action that would undermine the security and stability of the other, including through any direct or indirect form of support to armed groups in the other's territory.

The Council reiterated the grave urgency of delivering humanitarian aid, in accordance with international law, including applicable international humanitarian law, and guiding principles of emergency humanitarian assistance, to avert a worsening of the serious crisis in the Sudanese states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

It urged both countries to continue working within the context of the negotiations carried out under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, and encouraged continued partnership with the UN and other key international stakeholders.

Earlier, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also voiced concern over recurring fighting near the Yida refugee settlement in South Sudan, close to the border with Sudan, saying the clashes are putting residents of the camp at risk.

"Our concerns are heightened by clashes reported yesterday between the national armies of Sudan and South Sudan in Lake Jau and other border areas," said Melissa Fleming, UNHCR spokesperson in Geneva.

"UNHCR considers that Yida refugee settlement is not safe for long-term stay due to its proximity to the volatile border zone," Ms. Fleming said, adding that South Sudan's national and local authorities have also called for the refugees to move away from the border.

UNHCR and its partners are providing basic assistance to more than 16,000 refugees who settled in Yida after fleeing violence in the Nuba Mountains region, located in Sudan's Southern Kordofan state.

In total, more than 105,000 Sudanese refugees from the states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile have sought refuge South Sudan. Another 30,000 refugees fled Blue Nile into Ethiopia.