Arab states back Sudan before talks on violence

THE Arab League chief pledged support for Sudan's government before an emergency meeting on the violence that has killed thousands in that country's Darfur region.

Also yesterday Nigeria's president offered to host peace talks to resolve what has been called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The invitation from President Olusegun Obasanjo was to the Sudanese government and rebel negotiators to hold talks in Nigeria starting on August 23, a spokesman for the African Union said.