Rescue agencies praise cease-fire extension in south Sudan

In a joint press statement, international rescue agencies praised yesterday the decision of Sudanese rebels concerning unilaterally extending a cease-fire for another three months.

Official sources in the rescue agency at south of Sudan described the decision as a vital matter helping deliver humanitarian aid to regions suffering from famine.

The head of UN rescue operations in Sudan, Karl Tenstman, said his organization was very happy at what was announced by the rebel factions in the south, expressing his hope that the Sudanese government would agree to the cease-fire. He said, "We hope that Khartoum's government will agree upon the cease-fire, and we are optimistic" they will.

He also confirmed that the cease fire is an important matter in allowing humanitarian aid efforts to continue for the region.