Sudan

UN officials say they are accelerating relief efforts in the area around the disputed Sudanese town of Abyei, the scene of deadly clashes earlier this month, to help tens of thousands of displaced persons (IDPs) ahead of the expected rainy season and any possible renewal of fighting. The Secretary-General?s Special Representative for Sudan, Ashraf Qazi, and the acting Humanitarian Coordinator to the country, Ted Chaiban, this week also urged both the national armed forces and the Sudan People?s Liberation Army (SPLA) to maintain restraint so that aid can be sent unimpeded. (UN News Service)