BY NICHOLAS BARIYO IN KAMPALA, UGANDA AND BRIAN SPEGELE IN BEIJING

Sudanese rebels holding Chinese hostages are prepared to release them, a rebel spokesman said Monday, signaling the possible end to a crisis that has spotlighted the risks China faces in its expansion in Africa.

Talks between Chinese diplomats and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North are progressing well enough that the rebel group is now finalizing a plan for a safe hand-over of all 29 hostages, according to SPLM-N spokesman Arnu Ngutulu Lodi.

Although Mr. Lodi declined to give a release date, or offer details of the talks with the Chinese, he acknowledged a shift in the rebels' stance. He said ...