Negotiations between Khartoum, the rebels in Switzerland

A spokeswoman for the Swiss foreign ministry said on Thursday that the Sudanese government and the People's Army For the Liberation of Sudan ( the southern rebellion movement) received invitation to hold negotiations next week in Switzerland under a joint sponsorship of this country ( Switzerland) and the US.

The spokeswoman explained to reporters that invitations were handed over to the two sides in conclusion of numerous contacts. She refrained from saying whether the answers to the invitations were positive or not.

However, the negotiations are expected to deal with reaching cease- fire for unlimited time, rather renewable in al-Nouba mountain area in the central part of Sudan. The negotiations will be held in close-door session in a place which is not disclosed and also for unlimited period of time, according to the Swiss spokeswoman.