Delaying talks between the government and rebels in Sudan

Sudanese sources confirmed yesterday that the Sudanese government delayed indefinitely talks that were scheduled for today with southern Sudanese rebels and that the government took the decision when four Sudanese people working with the Red Cross were killed last month and their bodies were not delivered.

The sources also added that Sudan is waiting for the result of an investigation demanded by the International committee of the Red Cross.

Riak Mashar, head of coordination council in southern Sudan, announced the existence of an agreement between the government and rebels to delay the negotiations for two weeks. He also said this period will contribute to more consultations aimed at bringing the two sides' points of view closer as well as reaching a permanent solution for south Sudan.