Rebel group in Darfur says it won't sign peace plan

A rebel group battling in Sudan's troubled Darfur region said Friday it was refusing to sign peace plan, possibly jeopardizing an accord aimed at resolving a crisis that has cost at least 180,000 lives.

Photo: Rebel group in Darfur says it won't sign peace plan

Ahmed Tugod, chief negotiator for the small Justice and Equality Movement, told The Associated Press that the main sticking point was his rebels' demand for the post of second vice president.

"We decided not to sign it unless changes are made," he said. Negotiations dragged on four hours past a midnight deadline in an effort to get the Sudan government and three rebel factions to agree to the peace plan.

It was not immediately clear whether their stance would break the united front so far held by the three rebel factions. The main Sudan Liberation Movement could not immediately be reached for comment as they were in the meeting, reports the AP.

I.L.