Obama urges Sudan, South Sudan to resolve issues through dialogue

(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama urged Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their outstanding issues through dialogue and avoid a return to war amid soaring tensions between the neighboring nations.

Clashes have escalated between Sudan and South Sudan in recent days following Sudan airstrikes targeting the South and the latter seizing the disputed oil-rich region of Heglig.

South Sudan said Saturday that its troops have left the region, but maintained its claim that Heglig is its territory.

Sudan troops are now in control of the region, but if they continue with attacks, South Sudan will retake it, said Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, the South Sudanese vice president.

Both nations have a choice to avoid a return to war, Obama said in a videotape message to citizens of both nations . Read More