Emergency declared in Sudan

Beshir, who was wearing traditional Sudanese robes, quot;decreed a state of emergency for a period of three months starting Mondayquot; to help the country quot;face external plotsquot; and stand firm on the home Front. Appearing composed, he said the decision had been taken because of the quot;duplication of state institutionsquot; and he called on Sudanese to elect a new parliament without setting a date for elections.

Under Turabi8217;s leadership, parliament had moved to amend the constitution to provide for a prime minister accountable to MPs and direct gubernatorial elections in a move widely seen as anattempt to curb Beshir8217;s powers. A crucial parliamentary debate on the issue had been scheduled for Tuesday.

The head of state also announced the suspension of four clauses of the constitution which focus on procedures for nominating governors to federal states. He said that the governors currently in place will continue to assume their duties. The situation seemed normal overnight Sunday.