Draft UN resolution calls for cease-fire in conflict-torn Sudan during upcoming Muslim holy month

By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Britain has circulated a draft U.N. resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in conflict-wracked Sudan ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins soon. The draft expresses “grave concern over the spreading violence and the catastrophic and deteriorating humanitarian situation, including crisis levels of acute food insecurity, particularly in Darfur.” With Ramadan expected to begin around Sunday, depending on the sighting of the new moon, the council is expected to vote quickly on the resolution, likely on Friday. Sudan plunged into chaos last April, when long-simmering tensions between generals commanding its military and paramilitary forces broke out into street battles in the capital of Khartoum and then spread, including to western Darfur.