Sudanese president threatens to expand war to Uganda

Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir has threatened to expand the scope of battles taking place in southern Sudan between government troops and southern rebels to cover the Ugandan territories.

In statements issued on Tuesday by the Sudanese daily Akhbar al-Youm, the Sudanese president stressed that the battle with the Ugandan president will not be confined to "the jungles of southern Sudan."

Bashir was talking at a celebration of "the martyr's wedding," which was held on Monday in honor of soldiers who were killed in battles. The Sudanese president ruled out holding peace negotiations "before the end of the battles" with the Sudanese People's Liberation Army led by Col. John Garang.

President Bashir stated that the next round of negotiations between the government and the rebellions will likely be held after six months. He added that this period of time is enough to achieve victory over the rebellion and "destroy its backbone."

He said Garang will come to the negotiations humiliated, broken and defeated.