KHARTOUM -- Sudan appealed to Arab countries on Saturday to offer humanitarian aid to the victims of war and drought in southern Sudan. Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail, made the appeal at a meeting with Arab ambassadors in Khartoum. He asked all Arab nations to contribute to relief efforts, with transport, medicine and clothing for their brothers in the south, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said.

Dr. Ismail had briefed the Arab diplomats on the outcome of three days of peace talks between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) rebel group, a ministry statement said. The talks ended last Wednesday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. (AFP)