Chad doesn't want refugees
2006-04-14 19:58
N'Djamena - Chadian President Idriss Deby said on Friday that if no international solution was found for the Darfur crisis by the end of June, his country would no longer shelter refugees from the Sudanese region.
Speaking at a rally in the Chadian capital of N'Djamena, Deby said: "It is up to the international community to find a solution to the Darfur crisis between now and the month of June and to make the refugees return to their country.
"If after June, we can't guarantee the security of our citizens and the refugees, then it is up to the international community to find another country to shelter these refugees."
Chadian insurgents attacked the capital N'Djamena on Thursday.
It is the boldest assault yet by fighters who have vowed to end Deby's 16-year rule and block a May 3 presidential election in which he is standing for re-election.
Chad's government has repeatedly accused its western neighbour Sudan of financing and arming anti-Deby rebels from conflict-torn Darfur.
Diplomats have warned tensions between the two countries risked escalating the Darfur crisis.
On Friday, Deby said he was breaking diplomatic ties with Sudan.
Sudan denies backing the rebels.
About 200 000 people have fled Dafur into Chad to escape three years of fighting in Darfur.
- Reuters