NAIROBI, May 24 (Xinhuanet) -- The Sudanese government announced Monday that it would allow aid workers to have special permits to enter the troubled Darfur region in the west of the country.

    A statement from the Sudan's Embassy in Nairobi said the move which becomes effective immediately will enable embassies worldwide to issue standard visas to aid workers within 48 hours.

    "Sudanese embassies shall grant entry visas to humanitarian aidworkers from the United Nations, the donor countries, the International Committee of Red Cross, and the other non-governmental organizations within 48 hours from the time of submission of the request. Duration of validity of the visa shall be three months," the statement said.

    "The suspension of all travel arrangements now in place for Darfur for three months. Valid entry visas to the Sudan enable their holders to travel to Darfur," the statement added.

    It also urged aid workers to avail names and visit program to the country's ministry of humanitarian affairs. "The concerned government agencies shall continue easing and simplifying the clearance procedures for imported equipment for humanitarian work in Darfur," the statement assured.

    Aid workers have complained that they were being denied passes to enter the troubled region.

    At least 45 Sudanese have reportedly been killed by pro-government militias in the troubled western Darfur region over theweekend.

    The reports of the latest violence came as humanitarian groups warned that the situation in Darfur will worsen if the United Nations fails to act decisively.

    Some 1 million people have fled Darfur, where pro-government militias are accused of "ethnic cleansing."

    Since the conflict in Darfur began in February 2003, about 130,000 people have fled to neighboring Chad, while an estimated 900,000 are displaced within the Sudan. Enditem