Specific sanctions for Sudan

2005-03-30 10:03

United Nations - The United Nations Security Council voted on Tuesday to apply sanctions on individuals who commit atrocities or undermine peace efforts in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region.

The council approved the United States-drafted resolution 12-0 with abstentions from Algeria, China and Russia - and amid fierce opposition from the Sudanese government in Khartoum.

Last week the council authorised a 10 000-strong peacekeeping force for southern Sudan but it has been divided over how to handle the crisis in Darfur, where a new report estimated that more than 300 000 people have died.

The international community hopes the January accord that ended Sudan's 21-year north-south civil war, which the peace force will monitor, can help end the ongoing Darfur violence between rebels and government-supported militias.

Rejected by Sudan

So far, however, the council has been unable to agree on war crimes trials for Darfur. France could call a vote on Wednesday on a resolution to refer them to the International Criminal Court, a move the United States opposes.

The resolution approved on Tuesday allows for the seizure of assets and a travel ban against individuals who commit atrocities, impede the peace process in Darfur or "constitute a threat to stability" in the region.

Violators will be identified by a new committee that will include all 15 Security Council members.

The resolution also extended an existing arms embargo against non-state parties in Darfur to the Sudanese government and specifically prohibited Khartoum from offensive military flights into the region.

US envoy Stuart Holliday said the measures would place "appropriate pressure" on all sides in the conflict to end continuing violence and move ahead with deadlocked peace talks between the government and Darfur rebels.

But opponents said the added pressure on the government would only impede efforts to reach a political resolution.

"We are convinced that the potential for political and diplomatic measures to defuse the conflict in Darfur have by no means been exhausted," said Russia's UN ambassador Andrey Denisov after the vote.

"The imposition of sanctions against this government is hardly likely to create a constructive tone for its activity," Denisov said.

Under the resolution, any movement of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region will require the prior approval of the UN Security Council.

Sudan's UN ambassador Elfatih Mohammed Erwa angrily rejected the resolution, which he said was the product of the US Congress "that does not know the history of the people" of Sudan.

"It doesn't understand these cultures," he said.

A new report from British legislators, compiled after interviews with aid organisations, said more than 300 000 people have died from violence in Darfur. - AFP

- SAPA