Sudan describes Mia Farrow’s letter as ‘Silly’

By: Wasil Ali

August 8, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government dismissed a letter by US actress Mia Farrow calling for the release of a rebel leader.

Farrow sent a letter this week to Al-Bashir offering to swap places with Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) humanitarian coordinator, given his deteriorating health condition and his pivotal role in uniting rebel groups.

Jamous, 62-year-old had been detained by Minni Minawi on 20 May 2006 after his opposition to Darfur Peace Agreement.

The former UN special envoy to Sudan, Jan Pronk had obtained his release on 22 June 2006 and transported him to Kadugli in a UNMIS hospital for medical treatment; but also to protect him from Minawi.

An unidentified Sudanese official speaking to Al-Sahafa daily refused to comment on Farrow’s letter saying it was “silly” and does not deserve a response.

Yesterday Sudan said it will allow Jamous to be moved without risk of arrest if the international community guarantees he will not rejoin armed rebels in Darfur.

Last week, 11 prominent international activists sent a letter to Al-Bashir, appealing for the release of Jamous. The rebel urgently needs a stomach biopsy which cannot be performed in South Kordofan.

(ST)