Pres Bashir in Juba 2011

Sudan president Omar al-Bashir has warned South Sudan: he will close the oil pipeline from the South, if Juba helps rebels in South Kordofan and Darfur.

President Bashir has told a public rally in Khartoum South Sudanese can drink their oil if they want to support rebels:

“This second message goes to our brothers in South Sudan; we tell them that we have agreements and are committed. Any violation of any part of these agreements shall be considered void. And if South Sudan gives any support to the Rebels – the agents and mercenaries in Darfur, Southern Kordofan of Blue Nile, we will fight them till the end. If they stop the support we will know. If they don’t, we also know and they should forget about the oil now and have to drink their oil.”

The rally came after Sudan government forces yesterday recaptured Abu Kershola town from the Sudan Revolutionary Front.

The rebels seized the town a month ago.

President Bashir says he will completely close the pipeline.

However, South Sudan says Khartoum is trying to divert attention from the issue of Abyei, by accusing it of supporting rebels fighting against Khartoum in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile State.

The South Sudan Government Spokesperson, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, said Khartoum is avoiding the formation of the Abyei Referendum Commission.

“They have recently killed the paramount chief of the Ngok Dinka Kuol and secondly they are under their own pressure with their own rebels causing the problems,” said Dr. Marial.”This is causing them a lot of instability, so, they want to blame it on somebody.”

According to the African Union last year’s resolution, Abyei Referendum should take place in October this year.