EU backs Sudan peace talks

The European Union expressed support yesterday before for peace talks aimed at finding a solution to Sudan's civil war and called for a swift outcome that would help to stop the killing and let international aid flow.

In statement, the EU said it hoped that the negotiations, which bring the government and southern Sudan guerrillas together for the first time in three years would be extended in time to cover the whole country.

The EU said it was ready to support the peace process and the Sudanese people but insists on the fact that such insistence is linked to a lasting peace agreement which settles all outstanding issues," Al Khartoum daily said today.