The UN Security Council expressed concerned over the increasing violence between South Sudan and Sudan, deeming such violence to be "a serious threat to international peace and security".

In a statement released Thursday, the UN Security Council urged both states to establish a Safe Demilitarized Border Zone and initiate a Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

Extracts reproduced below:

"The Security Council expresses its deep and growing alarm by the escalating conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, as manifested most recently by the seizure and occupation of the town of Heglig and its oil fields in Sudan by the SPLA. The recent violence threatens to return both countries to full-scale war and the period of tragic loss of life and suffering, destroyed infrastructure, and economic devastation, which they have worked so hard and long to overcome."

"The Security Council demands a complete, immediate, and unconditional: end to all fighting; withdrawal of the SPLA from Heglig; end to SAF aerial bombardments; end to repeated incidents of cross-border violence between Sudan and South Sudan; and an end to support by both sides to proxies in the other country."

"The Security Council affirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Sudan and South Sudan."

"The Security Council views the current situation as a serious threat to international peace and security. It will continue to follow the situation closely, and will take further steps as necessary."