21.   Relations between Sudan and the United States have been tense over the last few years with the latter accusing the former of human rights abuses and sponsoring terrorism.

22.   The Catholic meeting came as inter-Korean relations remained tense over the infiltration of Northern spies and commandos into the South in October.

23.   The border has been tense for over a week since armed North Korean troops moved into the sensitive joint security area on three different occasions.