Humanitarian operation in Sudan’s rebels zones will start soon –Arab League
September 12, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — A long-awaited humanitarian operation in the zones held by the Sudanese rebels in South Kordofan, and Blue Nile will be launched during the next two weeks, the Arab League envoy said.
Halima told reporters that another meeting for the tripartite plan representatives with the Sudanese commissioner will be held next week, stressing that the delivery of humanitarian assistance will start as soon as possible after it.
The Egyptian diplomat further denied accusations against Khartoum of procrastinating the humanitarian access saying that the delay was caused by routine procedures related to the selection of technical committee members.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement –North (SPLM-N) accused Khartoum last August of delaying the implementation of un accord reached in Addis Ababa with the United Nations, African Union and the Arab League. The rebel group urged to deliver the aid through Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Also U.S Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice accused Khartoum of obstructing the humanitarian access , saying its Khartoum’s responsibility to care for its own people affected by conflict in the two areas and take into account the urgency the situation requires.
Khartoum strongly reacted to Rice’s accusations and urged the concerned parties explain the reason of the delay.
South Kordofan governor Ahmed Haroun yesterday explained the delay saying that the delegates of the UN, AU and AL were absent from three meetings to discuss the implementation of the agreement.
The Sudanese humanitarian commissioner however accused the rebels of seeking to extend the war into other areas in the two states reaffirming the need to cease hostilities there.
He also said the presence of landmines in the rebel zones might obstruct the food delivery operations.
(ST)