Two American officials met with Sudanese officials in Khartoum on Wednesday. President Obama sent his top anti-terrorism advisor, John Brennan, and Sudan Special Envoy Princeton Lyman.

The Obama administration said Mr. Brennan discussed the importance of cooperation against al-Qaida and its allies. He expressed President Obama's deep concern over the continued presence of Sudanese forces in Abyei.

In Washington, America's top diplomat for Africa, Johnnie Carson, called for talks between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and southern leader Salva Kiir.

America's top diplomat for Africa, Johnnie Carson, has called for talks between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and southern leader Salva Kiir.

JOHNNIE CARSON: "We are deeply concerned about the situation in Abyei, and in southern Sudan. We want to do as much as we possibly can between now and July ninth to assure that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is fully complied with.”

Mr. Carson said the seizure of Abyei could threaten what he called a road map for normal relations between the United States and Sudan. It could also threaten the possible removal of Sudan from the American list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

On Tuesday, Sudan’s United Nations ambassador said his government sees no need for UN peacekeepers to stay in Sudan after July ninth. This was Ambassador Daffa-Alla Ali Osman speaking to the Security Council through an interpreter.