ADDIS ABABA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Friday expressed grave concern over the prevailing situation in Chad.

    It decided to "remain seized of the matter and requested the AU Commission to continue to follow closely the situation and to report to it as soon as possible," said a communique issued after the AUPSC's 49th meeting.

    In the communique, the AUPSC stressed the need for the Chadian government to "urgently initiate a dialogue with all the political forces in the country, with a view to finding a consensual solution to the problems facing Chad and to consolidating the democratic process in the country."

    In this respect, according to the communique, the AUPSC encouraged AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare to do his utmost to facilitate such a dialogue.

    It condemned the attacks perpetrated by rebel movements in Chad"as an unacceptable attempt to overthrow the current government through unconstitutional means."

    It also strongly condemned the incursions of armed elements into Sudanese refugee camps in Chad and other acts contrary to international humanitarian law.

    On Monday, Chadian rebels attacked Sudanese refugee camps in Chad, home to some 17,000 people from neighboring Sudan, said the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

    The rebels exchanged fire with security officers protecting the camps, said UNHCR officials, adding that the rebels entered the camps when food was being distributed.

    At present, security in Chad is deteriorating ahead of presidential elections scheduled for next month. The rebels marching towards Chad's capital N'Djamena Thursday battled with government forces. Chadian President Idriss Deby has declared that he had fought off the attempt to overthrow him and that situation in the capital was under control.

    Meanwhile Deby announced Friday he was breaking off all diplomatic ties with Sudan, following the rebel attack which he said was supported by the Sudanese government. Enditem