Three killed in Darfur clashes as Bashir calls for reconciliation

KHARTOUK, Sept 22 (KUNA) -- Three people were killed and 26 wounded in clashes on Friday in the biggest camp for the displaced in southern Darfur, west of Sudan.
The clashes took place as Sudanese forces were dispersing displaced people who rallied in protest of President Omar Al-Bashri's expected visit to the Kalema camp, according to a statement by the African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID).
UNAMID called "upon everyone involved in this situation to restore calm as soon as possible," saying a peaceful solution to the differences is the only way for the Darfurians.
In the meantime, President Bashir said in the nearby village of Shattaya that he wanted "the world to hear that we are in Shattaya and we are with the people of Shattaya." Addressing a gathering in the village, Bashir thanked the people of Shattaya for their reconciliation. He said he would continue supporting them "until the last displaced person returns to his home and his farm." The president's tour in the region comes ahead of a US decision next month on whether to permanently lift an economic embargo on Sudan, in place since 1997.
Since the eruption of the conflict in Darfur in 2003, about 2.5 million have been living in camps after being forced to leave their homes owing to fighting between rebels and the government. (end) mmm.mmj.msa