Sudan submits Darfur safe zone proposals to UN

KHARTOUM, Aug 15 (AFP) — Khartoum submitted to the United Nations Sunday a list of 11 areas of the war-ravaged western region of Darfur that it says can be secured for displaced persons within the next 30 days.

Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail told reporters after talks with UN envoy Jan Pronk that the list had been drawn up in accordance with a plan of action thrashed out by the two men earlier this month.

He said the choice of areas had been made partly on the basis of the recommendations of a joint UN-Sudan government team which had toured the region.

There would be four safe zones in North Darfur State — in the state capital El Fasher and surrounding villages, the Abu Shouk and Zamzam displaced persons’ camps, and Taweila district.

Another four zones would be secured in South Darfur State — the state capital of Nyala and surrounding villages, the Kalma and Sani Dalaibah camps, and the Abu Ajourah district.

The other three zones would be in West Darfur State — the state capital of Gineina and neighbouring villages, and the Gineina and Morni camps.

The UN Security Council on July 30 gave Sudan a stern warning to rein in pro-government 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.

The United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people have been killed since Sudan’s armed 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 neighbouring Chad, the United Nations says.