KHARTUM, Sudan

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially withdrew from its initiative to mediate in a dispute over Sudan's border with Ethiopia, Saudi media reported on Monday.

The UAE assured the Khartoum administration that it will respect Sudan's position in the crisis, Saudi-based Asharq news channel cited sources from Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council as saying.

With a 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) shared border, Sudan and Ethiopia are engaged in a conflict over al-Fashqa Triangle, a decades-long disputed border with no clear demarcation.

The two countries' dispute was exacerbated when Khartoum declared on Dec. 31, 2020 that its army had taken control of the entire Al Fashaqa territory, resulting in tensions and armed clashes.

Khartoum claimed full control of its territory in the disputed area where Ethiopian militias were present. Addis Ababa, on the other hand, insisted that the Sudanese army seized control over the Ethiopian area, which Khartoum denied.

Sudan demands the establishment of border markers with Ethiopia based on agreement signed on May 15, 1902, in Addis Ababa between Ethiopia and the UK – on behalf of Sudan. Addis Ababa refuses to recognize the agreement and wants talks to resolve disputes concerning borders.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz