Germany slow in sending peacekeepers to Sudan

BERLIN, June 5, 2005 (Itar-Tass) — Germany decided to take part in the UN mission in southern Sudan more than a month ago, but only four German military observers have been sent there so far.

German Defense Minister Peter Struck.

A representative of the German Defense Ministry said on Sunday that seventy-five German servicemen would control the ceasefire in the Darfur province in accordance with the agreements.

The servicemen will join the international mission of 750 experts and control the ceasefire in southern and eastern Sudan, where truce was announced. The peacekeepers will monitor the fulfillment of the peace agreement between the Khartoum-based government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

The source did not confirm local press reports claiming that German Defense Minister Peter Struck may suspend the mission of German observers until differences with the Sudanese authorities are settled.

He said the international mission would help to stop the bloodshed in Darfur and start the return of 4 million refugees. This year Berlin will assign 32.5 million euros for assistance to Sudan.