Sudan's Bashir arrives in South Sudan for talks

JUBA - Agence France-Presse

A handout picture released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir (L) being welcomed by a Saudi official as he arrives in the holy city of Medina to visit the Prophet Mohammed Mosque on October 17, 2013. AFP photo

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived in South Sudan Tuesday, as pressure mounts over the contested flashpoint enclave of Abyei and other issues left unresolved since the countries split two years ago.

Bashir, an indicted war crimes suspect wanted by the International Criminal Court, is due to meet with his southern counterpart Salva Kiir. An AFP reporter said he was welcomed by a military guard of honour, former rebel fighters he once battled during the two-decade civil war that led to South Sudan's independence.