Sudanese armed forces say rival southern forces were behind Friday's attack on U.N. peacekeepers and Sudanese soldiers in the oil rich Abyei region.

But a spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) tells news agency that his forces were not involved in the attack.

Sudan Blames SPLA for Attack

U.N. officials say two people were wounded in the incident.

Sudan Blames SPLA for Attack

Troops from the north and south had agreed to conduct all patrols jointly in the Abyei area.

Sudan Blames SPLA for Attack

The north and south are attempting to settle several key issues before the south becomes independent on July 9, including the fate of Abyei.

A referendum on whether Abyei would join the north or the south was scheduled in January, but did not take place because the two sides could not agree on who was eligible to vote.