The African Union has expressed disappointment over the postponement of the Abyei reconciliation meeting between Dinka Ngok traditional leaders and the Misseryia.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, from the 20th to the 24th of this month, on the request of the South Sudanese government.

It was intended to provide a neutral venue and to have direct discussions on key issues between the Dinka Ngok and the Misseriya.

The AU says the aim was to strengthen inter-communal relationships and facilitate stability and reconciliation in the area.

It says the Sudanese delegation arrived in Addis Ababa on last Friday but the negotiators from South Sudan requested an indefinite postponement to resolve internal challenges relating to their participation.

Yesterday, Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny told Eye Radio that the Dinka Ngok traditional leaders had limited time to consult their people ahead of the meeting.

Both Sudan and South Sudan claim the Abyei region. But they have not agreed on how to conduct a referendum to determine the status of the region.

In recent months, the Dinka Ngok have been reporting incidents of killings allegedly by the Misseriya.

The AU Commission has urged communities in the region to refrain from any action that could raise tension.