Sudan's spy chief warns of wider suspensions with South Sudan after president orders oil halt

KHARTOUM, Sudan – Sudan's spy chief warns his country will suspend nine agreements reached earlier this year with South Sudan if it continues to support rebels fighting to topple the Khartoum government.

Mohammed Atta al-Moula's comments come a day after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir ordered the closure of pipelines exporting oil from South Sudan.

Al-Moula held a rare news conference Sunday, saying that other agreements involving security and economic pacts would be suspended with South Sudan if the country does not halt its support of rebels in Sudan.

He says shutting down the oil pipelines could take up two months, citing technical reasons.

The delay suggests Khartoum is willing to give South Sudan time to resolve the dispute.

South Sudan, which became independent of Khartoum in 2011, has denied supporting rebels.