Chad says rebels control one-third of nation

Libyan-backed rebels now control about one-third of the central African nation of Chad, the government said. The Cabinet acknowledged the rebel gains in a statement that said government troops had made a ''tactical evacuation'' of the strategic northern town of Faya-Largeau Friday night.

Meanwhile, Chad accelerated diplomatic efforts to stop the rebel army, led by former Chadian President Goukouni Woddei. Chad has appealed for a United Nations Security Council debate.