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Sudan rebels continue advance

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, October 7, 2002

CAIRO Ñ Sudanese rebels continue their advance into the oil-producing region in the war-torn south amid a reported agreement to resume peace talks.

The Sudanese People's Liberation Army said rebels are moving through eastern Sudan and capturing government strongholds. The rebels said they are heading toward the coast of the southern Red Sea and are advancing through eight border areas.

The rebel offensive has included the National Democratic Alliance. The NDA, based in Eritrea, claims that rebel forces captured Hamashkurb, described as a strategic town near the Eritrean border.

In addition, the SPLA has moved within 15 kilometers of the key city of Kasala in wake of the rebel capture of two towns in eastern Sudan. Kasala is located 400 kilometers southeast of Khartoum and is the second biggest city in eastern Sudan.

SPLA leader John Garang said his forces were operating within the framework of the National Democratic Alliance, an umbrella for rebel organizations. They were joined by forces from the northern Muslim opposition.

"NDA forces are waiting for the civilians to clear the way so they can march on Kassala," Garang said in a statement.

Sudanese officials have acknowledged heavy fighting in the south. But they denied SPLA claims of advances.

The Khartoum regime has accused Eritrea of helping the rebels in their current offensive. Sudanese military spokesman Gen. Mohammed Suleiman said SPLA troops, backed by Eritrean forces, were trying to surround the city of Khashm El Girba in eastern Sudan. Suleiman said on late Sunday that government forces were defending the city in heavy fighting.

The Eritrean government has denied that it is helping the SPLA. The rebels said they have severed oil supplies to Khartoum. The SPLA said that a force bombed a main oil-pumping station.

In a related development, Sudanese sources reported that the Khartoum regime and the SPLA have agreed to resume peace negotiations in Kenya. They said the talks will resume on Oct. 14.

The United Nations also resumed the air transport of relief supplies to southern Sudan. The Khartoum regime lifted a ban imposed 11 days ago amid fierce fighting with the the SPLA.

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