Thu, Aug 02, 2007 - Page 6 News List

UN approves Darfur resolution

PEACEKEEPING FORCES Ban Ki-moon immediately hailed the move as `historic and unprecedented,' while the US ambassador threatened Khartoum with sanctions

AFP , UNITED NATIONS

The resolution urged Khartoum and rebel groups to commit themselves to a permanent ceasefire and to join peace talks under AU-UN mediation.

Later this week, a meeting organized jointly by the AU and the UN in Arusha, Tanzania, is to lay the groundwork with the non-signatory rebels for renewed negotiations with Khartoum.

Sudanese Ambassador to the UN Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad said the resolution adopted was a "marked improvement" over previous drafts and "contains many positive elements."

In London, two British charities, Oxfam and Christian Aid, welcomed passage of the resolution but expressed concern over the amount of time it would take to get the force on the ground.

The bulk of UNAMID is not expected to be deployed before early next year.

This story has been viewed 1469 times.
TOP top