Sudanese army denies reports of new attacks in Darfur

KHARTOUM, Aug 11, 2004 (dpa) — The Sudanese army on Wednesday denied reports that its units had carried out fresh assaults in the troubled region of Darfur.

A statement issued by the army said it was obliged to reply to groundless and bias allegations that its gunship had attacked civilians in western Sudan.

The army meanwhile, vowed to abide by the truce it signed with the rebels in April.

The U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary General for Sudan, Jan Bronk, said Wednesday that it was premature to confirm the reports on fresh attacks while an investigation is still underway.

Speaking to the press, Bronk said he was optimistic about his talks with the Sudanese government on Darfur, but warned that the U.N. Security Council deadline is approaching on August 31st.