Khartoum: al-Nouba truce is solid, can be extended

Sudan said on Thursday that the cease fire which has been observed since 10 days in al-Nouba mountain area in the central parts of the country is solid and that there are hopes that this agreement will be an example to be followed by other countries torn by war.

The Sudanese charge de affairs in Nairobi Ahmad Dardeiri said that the " cease fire is now solid and there are no violations at all." He added:" we feel a basic change towards peace in Sudan and that what is taking place now in al-Nouba mountain can be the beginning for a comprehensive cease- fire."

However, the government of Khartoum has been launching a war against the rebellions in southern Sudan since 18 years in which two million persons were killed. The People's Army For the Liberation of Sudan and the government have signed a cease- fire agreement to provide foodstuffs to al-Nouba area on January 19 at Swiss and American mediation. The agreement became enforced on January 22.

The People's Army For the liberation of Sudan accused Khartoum of violating the agreement once on January 23 but the government said that this incident took place on January 21 after the truce has become valid and the reason was that the People's Army For the Liberation of Sudan started the opening of fire. The two sides agree that since then no fighting has erupted. The cease- fire is to continue for 6 renewable months. UN observers are to follow up the cease fire observance as from March 20.