UN troops 'could be at risk'

2006-02-28 14:56

Khartoum - Sudan warned on Monday that United Nations peacekeepers could be at risk if they were deployed to its conflict-wracked Darfur region.

According to reports, justice minister Mohamed Ali Al Mardhi told the UN special rapporteur for human rights in Sudan, that it would be difficult to provide protection for such forces.

The reports said: "The minister has warned the UN official about the danger of sending foreign forces to Sudan."

It added that Al Mardi said that implementing a proposal to send "international forces to Darfur would pave the way for infiltration of elements in Sudan across the borders with neighbouring countries, a matter which will complicate the protection and safety of the international forces."

Security council

The United States had been pushing for quick approval of a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur region and wanted the security council to approve a resolution establishing a force by the end of February.

Last week, Britain and several other council members said there was support for a UN force, but wanted to wait for the African Union - which had about 7 000 troops deployed there - to make a final decision at a meeting on March 3.

Some regional nations also wanted approval from the Sudanese government, which opposed the deployment of non-African troops.

An estimated 180 000 people had died, mainly of hunger and disease, and some two million people had been displaced since rebels from Darfur's ethnic African population revolted three years ago, accusing the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum of discrimination and decades of neglect.

- AP