Sudan planes bomb South

Juba  Sudan resumed its aerial bombardment of South Sudan, violating international calls for a cessation of hostilities between the two countries, a South Sudanese military official said yesterday.

Col Kella Dual Kueth, deputy spokesman for the South Sudan military, said there were attacks on Monday and Tuesday in the states of Upper Nile, Unity and Northern Bahr Al Ghazal. "Automatically it is a violation," Kueth said.

Kueth did not say how many bombs were dropped or how many people were killed in attacks launched by Sudanese warplanes. He said he was not aware of any attacks yesterday.

Khartoum has repeatedly denied it is carrying out a bombing campaign over southern territory, saying instead it is the victim of its southern neighbour's aggression.

The UN Security Council last month approved a resolution threatening non-military

African Union

sanctions against Sudan and South Sudan if they do not stop escalating violence.

The African Union is now trying to help the two Sudans reach a settlement and avoid a return to all-out war. Although Sudan has endorsed the AU'S roadmap to peace, it insists on the right to defend itself militarily.

Kueth said the latest attacks suggest Sudan is not interested in peace talks with South Sudan.

"Maybe they want to decide not to go [for peace talks]," he said. "If they are genuine and really serious [about] making this peace process they could have gone before they attack. How could you attack and then you are going to a peace talk?"