International briefs: Sudan

MILITARY leaders in Sudan have criticised United Nations' moves to set up buffer zones along its north-south border ahead of a politically sensitive referendum. The Sudanese army said the plan - announced last week - was either a sign of ignorance or interference.

The UN is moving peacekeepers into hotspots to create buffer zones because of fears conflict may erupt in the build-up to the vote in January on whether the south should declare independence.

President Omar al-Bashir has threatened to delay the vote and warned civil war could erupt.