Obama Allocates $26 Million for Sudan Refugee Aid 

(MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) US President Barack Obama has cleared the way for up to 26 million dollars in aid to respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by fighting along the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

President Obama authorized the emergency funds for the United Nations aid workers to care for the "unexpected and urgent needs" of more than 140,000 refugees who have fled South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, US National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

"The United States is gravely concerned by the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, especially as the violent clashes continue along the shared border with South Sudan," Vietor said.

Obama is pressing Sudan and South Sudan to reach an agreement on oil production. South Sudan made the drastic decision in January to halt production of its main money-maker after Sudan started to seize crude due to a payment dispute.

He called on the government of Sudan to allow access to aid agencies and for Sudan and South Sudan to resolve outstanding issues, including nationality and border issues and oil revenue sharing.

On Monday, Obama called South Sudan's US-backed President Salva Kiir to voice concern over bloodshed at the border and within Southern Kordofan state.