U.N. warned of increased Darfur violence

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DARFUR, Sudan, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The top U.N. envoy to Sudan has warned that violence is on the rise in Darfur and urged countries to make good on pledges of aid and troops.

Briefing the U.N. Security Council, Jan Pronk says he is encouraged that a January peace agreement between Khartoum and southern rebels remains in place. There had been fears the deal might fall apart following the death of rebel leader John Garang in July.

Pronk expressed grave concern about conditions in the western Darfur region, which continues to be plagued by civil war and a humanitarian crisis, Voice of America said.

Pronk said pressure must be brought to bear on warring factions to reach a comprehensive peace agreement by the end of this year.

He described Darfur as a place where rebels and government troops fight it out even while their negotiators are meeting in the Nigerian capital.