LOC18:37
15:37 GMT
KHARTOUM, March 19 (KUNA) -- Sudan voiced Saturday concern over the growing
risks associated with unrest in neighboring Libya, particularly the spread of
arms among rebels in the disputed Western Province of Darfur.
Ashorooq TV channel, quoted Defense Minister Abdulrahim Mohammad Hussein as
saying that the spread of arms would have negative impacts on the stability in
Sudan and Chad.
Hussein, who is on a visit to neighboring Chad, said that his ministry is
closely monitoring the situation in Libya and prospects of having army weapons
fall into the wrong hands.
The top Sudanese military official pointed out that the conflict in the
Western region of Darfur was mainly caused by spread of arms among citizens.
He revealed that a joint force from Sudan, Chad and the Central African
Republic would cooperate on securing the borders.
Statements by the defense minister reflect fears by Khartoum that rebels in
Darfur fighting the central government could boost their arsenal by acquiring
weapons in the midst of chaos engulfing Libya. (end)
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KUNA 191837 Mar 11NNNN