UN finds 89 bodies in Sudan’s Abyei

June 16, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The United Nations has so far found 89 bodies in the disputed oil-rich Abyei region of Sudan from fighting that erupted last month, a senior U.N. official told Reuters on Monday.

Following a heavy fighting in Abyei on Tuesday May 20 between Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army, SAF spokesperson said they repelled a SPLA attack and lost 22 soldiers, while the southern Sudan army didn’t communicate human causalities.

The U.N. official, who declined to be named, said 89 bodies had been found in Abyei. “Dead military are 68,” the official told Reuters.

According to a roadmap to resolve difference over Abyei border, the parties agreed to international arbitration if no final agreement is reached on the disputed area but what will be referred for arbitration is yet to be decided.

TROOPS DEPLOYMENT DELAYED

A joint north-south battalion had been due to deploy on Monday but that has now been put back to Tuesday because of administrative delays in flying them in on U.N. planes, said the force’s commander, Valentino Tokmac.

The force was still waiting for tents, vehicles and uniforms from the northern and southern armies, he said.

United Nations Mission in Sudan spokesman Brian Kelly said the U.N. would help the troops travel from the southern capital Juba to Abyei.

“We’re finalizing arrangements to move the SPLA-JIU element from Juba to Abyei area by air and road,” Kelly told AFP.

He further said the U.N. would also help provide tents, medical, food and water supplies to the contingent for the initial period of deployment. Northern troops will make their own way to Abyei, and everyone should be there by Wednesday, he said.

The joint units will start on June 18 a 10 days training before they fully take control of Abyei.

(ST)