Garang briefs Annan on the peace talks in Sudan

The UN announced that the leader of the southern rebel in Sudan, John Garang, on Monday briefed on the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on the progress reached in the peace process in Sudan.

A statement by the UN said that Garang detailed in his report the security arrangements taken so far, and Annan stressed the determination of the UN to help finalizing the agreements.

Garang stressed on Friday in Washington, where he was received by the US Secretary Of State Colin Powell, that there is a "good chance" to reach a peace agreement in Sudan before the end of the year.

Pending issues include sharing of authority and resources and the situation of three areas under disputes. Powell had visited Nivasha on October 22nd to encourage the peace talks. He said than that the rebels and the Sudanese government are ready to reach an agreement by the end of December this year.