Sudan Rebels Endorse U.N.-AU-Arab Warzone Aid Plan

W300

Rebels in war-torn southern Sudan, where food shortages have raised increasing global concern, on Sunday expressed support for a joint U.N., Arab League and African Union plan for aid to the area.

"We have endorsed that proposal," Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), told Agence France Presse.

"We have said it is a good step."

With Sudan severely restricting the work of foreign relief agencies in the war zone, international concern is mounting over malnutrition and food shortages in the area.

U.S. President Barack Obama's administration warned this month that if humanitarian access were not granted by March, conditions would be one step away from a full-scale famine.

The joint proposal from the United Nations, AU and Arab League is the best hope for bringing aid to South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where fighting between SPLM-N and government troops broke out months ago, the U.N. said last week.

The proposal was submitted about two weeks ago to Khartoum, and the U.N. is awaiting a "positive response," said Mark Cutts, who heads the U.N.'s office for humanitarian affairs in Sudan.

Under the plan, the three organizations would assess the needs and humanitarian situation throughout the conflict area, and then deliver assistance to the needy, "whether they be in government areas or SPLM areas," Cutts said.

Most government aid has gone to government-held zones, he said.

U.N. officials have repeatedly said they need full access -- including to rebel-held areas -- to properly assess the needs of the people.

More than 360,000 people have been internally displaced or severely affected by the fighting, according to the U.N.

"Time is running out," said the rebels' Lodi.

Sudan has cited security reasons in restricting the aid work of foreigners.

Ethnic minority insurgents from the SPLM-N fought alongside the former rebels now ruling South Sudan, which became independent last July after an overwhelming vote for secession following more than two decades of civil war.