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United Nations: The UN chief and other world leaders condemned rebel attacks in Sudan's Darfur province, fearing it could hamper regional peace efforts.
In New York, Secretary Ban Ki-moon expressed his "grave concern" over the fighting in Khartoum and the use of force by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
"He condemns strongly the use of armed force and military means by JEM ... and calls for an immediate cessation of fighting," said his spokesman, Michele Montas.
Darfur rebels fought Sudanese troops in a suburb of Khartoum on Saturday in a bid to seize power, but the government said the attack on the capital had been defeated.
In Washington, a spokesman for the US National Security Council said the Bush administration was concerned and monitoring the situation.
"We urge both sides to cease hostilities, whether it is the rebel group or the government," said spokesman Gordon Johndroe. "We want to see calm and order restored."
Southern Sudan leader and First Vice President Salva Kiir also urged a return to dialogue and condemned the assault, saying violence will only hurt Darfur’s plight.
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