Sudanese Govt 'ready for cease-fire'

Sudan President Omar al-Bashir today said his government was ready for a cease-fire with rebel forces at the start of peace talks scheduled for next month in Libya over the conflict in Darfur.

“We have announced we are available (to put in place) a cease-fire with the start of the negotiations to create a positive climate,” al-Bashir said at a news conference in Rome following talks with Italian Premier Romano Prodi.