DATE=8/11/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-SUDAN RELIEF (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-65373
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A United Nations official says it will likely
be several days before relief flights are resumed to
the African nation of Sudan. VOA Correspondent Breck
Ardery reports the flights were suspended earlier in
the week because of fears for the safety of
humanitarian workers.
TEXT: U-N Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Kevin
Kennedy told reporters the combination of war and
drought has put millions of Sudanese at risk of
starvation. However, he defended the decision to
suspend the relief flights to the country, after
Sudanese government aircraft bombed areas in the
immediate vicinity of relief operations.
Mr. Kennedy said those bombings violate agreements
with both the government of Sudan and the main rebel
group in the country, to allow free and safe access
for humanitarian workers.
///KENNEDY ACT///
There are many bombings going on, there is a war
going on and we understand that. But it is
difficult to understand bombings on airfields
where our flights have been cleared to land. I
hasten to add that we operate in an open and
completely transparent manner in Sudan,
informing all of what we are doing.
///END ACT///
Mr. Kennedy observed that the Sudanese government has
now re-committed itself to the safety of relief
operations. He said U-N officials will take a few days
to make sure safeguards against further bombings are
in place and that flights may then be resumed.
Malaysia's ambassador to the United Nations, Agam
Hasmy who is this month's president of the Security
Council, said the Council has issued a formal appeal
for the safety of relief workers in Sudan.
///HASMY ACT///
Members of the Council urge the Sudanese
government and all others concerned to live up
to their obligations to ensure the safety and
security of humanitarian operations.
///END ACT///
The war in Sudan, which has been going on for 17
years, pits the Islamic government in the north
against largely Christian rebels in the southern part
of the country.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/FC
11-Aug-2000 15:48 PM EDT (11-Aug-2000 1948 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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