al-Hurreyah: Libyan mediation between Sudanese government, rebels

Sources in the rebels movement led by John Garang said that Libya is making mediations between the Sudanese government and the movement to release all Sudanese war prisoners in return for economic support to Southern Sudan's areas.

The sources told the Sudanese daily al-Hurreyah (freedom) issued on Monday saying that Seif al-Islam, son of the Libyan leader Muammar al Qathafi, sent a message, in his capacity as a chairman for the Libyan al-Qaddafi charity society asking for the release of Sudanese government's soldiers held by the movement in return for Libya's support for developmental economic projects in southern Sudan.

The sources added that Garang refused the Libyan offer, on the ground that talking about prisoners by the two sides is expected to be discussed at the table of negotiations in Mashakos, Kenya. Negotiations which are expected to be resumed today following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on halting the war during negotiations.

The sources said that Garang extended an apology to Seif al-Islam and called on him to strengthen relations between his charity organization and the ( Garang) movement.