Sudan, Uganda deny weapons from Uganda to southern Sudan

KHARTOUM, Oct 12, 2004 (Xinhua) — The Sudanese and Ugandan governments have denied reports about infiltration of heavy weapons from Uganda to the areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in southern Sudan.

“We contacted all concerned authorities but none confirmed the allegations,” the Sudanese daily Khartoum Monitor quoted Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismail as saying.

“We are in contact with our embassy in Uganda to obtain further details,” the minister added, noting that Sudan and Uganda enjoy good relations.

The embassy of Uganda in Sudan also strongly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless.

In a press release, the Ugandan embassy reiterated its commitment to all provisions of the Nairobi agreement signed between Sudan and Uganda.

“The Ugandan government will continue to strongly support all the positive initiatives that are aimed at bringing about permanent peace in Sudan,” added the Ugandan embassy.

The Sudanese daily Sudan Vision and other media reported Monday that Uganda relocated heavy weapons to the SPLA-controlled areas on a move to facilitate SPLA’s assaults on the governmental army.