US: Tougher sanctions on Sudan
2008-01-10 08:44
Washington - The United States pressed on Wednesday for tougher sanctions against Sudan after condemning what it said was a blatant and "unacceptable" attack by Sudanese troops on United Nations peacekeepers in Darfur.
"The US condemns the January 07 attack by the Sudanese Armed Forces on United Nations peacekeepers who were travelling in a supply convoy in Darfur," said state department spokesperson Sean McCormack.
He said: "The US believes this incident demonstrates the need for a stronger arms embargo for Sudan and we will be working with our security council partners to that end.
"This attack against peacekeepers in white vehicles clearly displaying UN markings is unacceptable."
The attack, which the Sudanese blamed instead on rebel forces, "violates the demands of the security council and the government of Sudan's public pledges to cooperate with the deployment of the peacekeeping mission", added McCormack.
UNAMID's dedication applauded
He said: "The US believes this incident demonstrates the need for a stronger arms embargo for Sudan and we will be working with our security council partners to that end."
Washington had been pushing for an extension of the existing UN arms embargo in Darfur to the whole of Sudan.
Sudan's UN envoy Abdalmahmood Mohamad rejected the charges from both Washington and the UN, instead blaming Chad-backed rebels.
Mohamad said: "The armed forces have no relationship whatsoever" with Monday's attack on the convoy, which was ferrying rations for troops of the joint UN-Africa peacekeeping force (UNAMID) in west Darfur."
He specifically blamed rebels of the Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), which he claimed was strongly supported by the Chadian government.
Meanwhile, McCormack praised the dangerous work carried out by UNAMID. His statement said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sudanese driver who was badly injured in the attack."
He said: "We applaud UNAMID's dedication to bringing peace to Darfur in the face of this kind of violence, and call on troop contributing countries to remain steadfast in their commitment to full UNAMID deployment."