Sudanese govt rejects W. Sudan rebels’ demand for a no-fly zone

KHARTOUM, June 27, 2004 (KUNA) — The Sudanese Government refused on Sunday the ‏‏insurgents’ demand to create a no-fly zone over the Darfur region.‏

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In a statement to reporters, Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail ‏‏said the government respects the ceasefire agreement signed in April, noting ‏‏that the agreement did not include a term obliging the government to fly over ‏‏Darfor.‏

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Ismail appreciated the efforts of the international delegations visiting ‏‏Darfur to follow up the situation and provide aid for the region, noting that ‏‏all the reports assert the great developments there.‏

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Darfur insurgents sent a letter to the US Secretary of State Colin Powell ‏‏and the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan demanding the establishing of a no-fly ‏‏zone for the Sudanese air forces, the establishing of courts for the war ‏‏criminals, and allowing more freedom of mobility for aid workers.