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.