World IN BRIEF : SUDAN : Government Rejects Extension of Truce

Sudan’s Islamic government rejected a proposal from former President Jimmy Carter to extend a cease-fire with southern rebels. But as Carter ended a visit to Khartoum, a senior Sudanese official said the government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army will soon resume peace talks to try to end the 12-year-old conflict. “We have responded positively to Carter’s suggestion to start peace talks immediately,” Sudanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ghazi Salah Al Din Atabani said. The truce expires Saturday.