Related: Sudan refugees are waiting for help!

           Annan calls for US$1b in aid for Sudan

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan at Oslo donors meeting April. 11. (Xinhua/AFP)

    BEIJING, April 12 -- More than $1 billion has been committed by donor countries to help implement a peace deal in southern Sudan.

    The pledge came after day one of a donor conference in Norway's capital, Oslo.

    Spea

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan (L) are talking with Norwegian Prime Minister at  Oslo donors meeting April. 11. Xinhua/AFP)

king at the conference, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urged delegates to show commitment to rebuilding the region, which is emerging from years of civil war.

    "Now I look to all of you to help ensure that the peace, nascent in parts of Sudan, can take hold in the country as a whole," he said. 

    Annan told donor nations that food for people in southern Sudan will run out within weeks.

    Sudan wants donors to give a total of 2.6 billion dollars to fund the return of refugees and revive the infrastructure.

    The Oslo meeting brings together donor countries, international organizations and former enemies in the conflict.

    Norway, who played an active role in solving the dispute, has appealed for more aid to Sudan.

    Kjell Magne Bondevik, Norwegian Prime Minister, said "I urge all of you to pledge generously, it is up to us to help the Sudanese implement the peace agreement. Indeed the peace will bring a new future to everyone in Sudan."

    The European Union said it would contribute more than 700 million euros, while the US, expected to be the largest single donor, will pledge its contribution on the second day of the conference.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)