Sudan Rebels Hijack U.N. Aid Barge

Sudanese rebels have hijacked a relief aid barge steaming down the White Nile, taking prisoner the 11 U.N. staff on board, the United Nations said Friday.

Spokesman Joe Sills said radio contact with the barge, filled with food, was lost four days ago as it attempted to deliver relief supplies to people living in both government and Sudanese People Liberation Army-controlled areas. U.N.-leased planes subsequently spotted the barge and confirmed that the U.N. staff was being held prisoner.

Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali condemned the seizure and called on all parties “to do everything necessary to secure the safe release of the U.N. staff being held prisoner.”