The United Nations' emergency relief coordinator, Jan Egeland, has called on rebel groups in the Darfur region of Sudan to stop kidnapping aid workers and looting aid convoys.The rebels began their uprising in 2003, claiming that the west of Sudan had been neglected by the central government.
Darfur has since descended into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands killed by ethnic violence and starvation.
After his talks with rebel commanders, Mr Egeland issued them a stern warning.
"If you continue attacking trucks and police stations, if you do not release other colleagues, and the vehicles that are humanitarians', you will lose all international sympathy and all international trust," he said.
By In Solidarity 7 March 05
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