Addressing the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the Foreign Minister of Sudan pledged to work for peace and respect for human rights in the countrys vast and blighted Darfur region, but denounced a UN Security Council resolution threatening sanctions in the absence of action.
Mustafa Osman Ismail said the fighting in Darfur stemmed from the actions of rebels, who attacked tribes that refused to join their ranks. The Government had attempted to restore peace and avoid civil war, but the conflict led to “extremely complicated human conditions” which Khartoum responded to through special measures, including lifting all restrictions on relief workers.
The Government deployed police and opened legal offices destroyed by the rebels and was participating in peace talks even though the rebels had not cooperated, he said. But the Security Council had regrettably threatened sanctions, emboldening the rebels and insisting on unrealistic conditions which, ultimately, led to the collapse of peace talks.
Most recently, on Saturday, the Council adopted another resolution which was “an incentive to the rebels” and did not take account of Government efforts to contain the crisis, added Mr. Osman.
Kilde: FNs nyhedstjeneste
