UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern on Tuesday about the renewed fighting between the Sudanese government forces and rebel forces in the area of Abyei.

The secretary-general urged "both parties to immediately observe the terms of the cease-fire agreed through the Cease-fire Joint Military Commission on 18 May, including the disengagement of forces," said a statement issued by Ban's press office.

" If the situation is not urgently addressed, the achievements thus far of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement could be placed at serious risk," it said.

Ban stressed that there can be no military solution to the parties' differences over Abyei, and reminded them of their commitment to find a peaceful solution which respects the rights and needs of both sides, and of the people of the Abyei area.

The clashes, which began on May 13, have resulted in the destruction of Abyei town and the displacement of between 30,000 and 50,000 people from Abyei and the surrounding area, Ban said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2008)