Sudan denies violating cease fire; one day suspension of negotiations

The Sudanese peace negotiations were suspended yesterday for one day at the request of the southern Sudan rebels who accused the Sudanese government of violating the cease fire. A matter which was strongly denied by Khartoum.

The spokesman for the rebels said that the his group held separate talks yesterday with the Kenyan mediators in Nairobi and that was after accusing Khartoum of violating the cease fire.

On Monday, the rebels asked for the suspension of the peace talks for one day. The spokesman for the rebels, Samsoun Kawaji, said "we hold separate negotiations with Gen. Lazaro Sombbyo who presides over the Kenyan mediation team."

On Monday, the rebels said that the "government forces attacked on Monday and controlled Leir city," which is an important center for distributing humanitarian aids and has been for long time under the control of the people's army for the liberation of Sudan." Kawaji said that the government units were stationed "miles from Leir," but on Monday entered the city and expelled the rebel forces from it.