Amum called on his counterpart to come back to the table to finalize the agreement.

CNN: Sudan denies report that South Sudan downed its fighter jet

But the Sudanese defense minister and his delegation left Ethiopia and Amum said he received word about the Unity state attacks Wednesday afternoon.

CNN: Sudan denies report that South Sudan downed its fighter jet

Rice refrained from attacking Khartoum for boycotting her visit, and apparently sufficed with pleasantries in her meeting with south Sudanese leader Pagan Amum.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Condi��s African holiday

Returning to Juba from a visit to Abyei, the SPLM's Secretary General Pagan Amum said the situation in the border region was now calm, although still tense.

BBC: South Sudan's referendum vote reaches 60%, says SPLM