LOC00:35
21:35 GMT
KHARTOUM, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- Sudanese police confirmed Friday it was not using bullets to disperse protesters, and said yesterday's protests in Khartoum witnessed death of two persons.
Police spokesman Major-General Hashem Abdulraheem said in a statement many States were calm but illegal protests were held in some areas in Khartoum.
Police dispersed the protesters by using tear gas, he said. "We confirm that police do not use bullets to disperse protests," he added.
Protests were held for the second day running in Khartoum and other cities. Sudanese unions said protests, which began on December 13, would continue in Khartoum and other States next week.
The Sudanese authorities announced the death of 24 protesters and arrest of more than 800 people since the protests began four weeks ago, but the opposition says those killed are more than 40 people and the wounded are more than 1,000 demonstrators.
Sudan's economy is facing difficulties due to the shortage of foreign currencies and the high inflation rate of about 70 percent, while the value of the Sudanese pound depreciated to about 60 pounds against the US dollar at a time when several cities lack supplies of bread, fuel and liquidity. (pickup previous)
mam.bs