Khartoum to propose secure zones for Darfur refugees

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 13 (AFP) — Sudan is this weekend to list zones in the troubled Darfur region that can be secured for displaced persons in 30 days, a UN spokesman said Friday.

“The foreign minister of Sudan presented a set of measures and a proposed timetable the Sudanese government has put in place in order to implement each of the 12 measures specified in the plan of action,” said spokesman Farhan Haq.

“That included a list of areas in Darfur the Sudanese government proposes can be made safe and secure within 30 days,” he said.

“The Sudanese government is expected to present its final choice of the selected areas over the weekend.”

The UN Security Council on July 30 gave Sudan a stern warning to rein in militia committing atrocities in Darfur within 30 days or face international action.

Khartoum at first angrily rejected the ultimatum, then relented and agreed to abide by its terms.

A plan for implementation of the UN Security Council resolution was negotiated by Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail and Jan Pronk, Annan’s special envoy for Sudan.

The United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people have been killed since Sudan’s army forces and the Janjaweed militia cracked down on minority tribes backing a rebellion, which erupted in Darfur in February 2003. However, the government disputes the figure.

Another 1.2 million people have fled their homes in Sudan and up to 200,000 more have been settled in makeshift camps in neighboring Chad, the United Nations says.