Failure in peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and the rebels

The rebels in southern Sudan said yesterday there was a failure in the peace negotiations which took place with the Sudanese authorities in Nairobi.

A statement by the rebels said that the lack of an agreement on the issues of the "separation of the state and religion" and determining the borders of the southern governorates were the reason behind the negotiations' failure.

The statement blamed the Sudanese government for this failure, asserting difficulty of the negotiations which took place under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

On the other hand Harry Johnston, the US envoy for Sudan, will arrive in Khartoum on March 4 for a four-day visit to hold discussions with Sudanese officials concerning peace issues, relief aid and bilateral relations between the two countries.