Annan calls on Sudanese opposition to join ceasefire

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday welcomed a humanitarian ceasefire announced by the Sudanese government, a statement issued by Annan's spokesman's office said.

The statement said, "The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement made by the government of Sudan on 29 April declaring a humanitarian ceasefire throughout the Sudan until 15 July 2000. He also acknowledges the Government's decision on 19 April to suspend air bombings in Southern Sudan to protect civilian lives and facilitate the continuing delivery of humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, by road, air and river.

Kofi Annan U.N secretary general urged the rebels in south Sudan to join the seize fire agreement.

Annan who is making an African tour said stoping the fighting will enable the U.N agencies to deliver the foodstuffs and medications safely for thousands of the villages inhabitants whom were affected by the fighting between the government and the rebels.

He hoped that "the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) will also extend the humanitarian ceasefire and thus contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for humanitarian operations in the Sudan."