Britain pushes to punish Sudan for not co-operating over Darfur
April 6, 2007 (LONDON) — Sudan’s regime should be punished for failing to implement a peacekeeping plan in Darfur, and the country is making it difficult for aid workers to transport food and medical aid, Britain’s international development secretary said in an interview published Friday.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Hilary Benn also said that a “no-fly zone” over the region was being considered by Britain and the United States, though he acknowledged that enforcing it would present “huge logistical challenges.”
“President (Omar al-) Beshir is not co-operating with the package that was agreed,” Benn told the paper.
“That’s absolutely clear, which is why we are currently working with the Americans and others in the Security Council on a new resolution.
“It’s really important that the international community, with one voice, says ‘this isn’t good enough’.”
In an agreement reached last November in Addis Ababa, UN soldiers were to provide material and logistical support to African Union troops deployed in the western region.
Beshir has backed away from that agreement by putting strict limits on any UN role in Darfur, prompting the United States and European countries to begin drawing up wide-ranging new sanctions to impose on the Khartoum government.
According to Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, however, Beshir reaffirmed the agreement about a week ago, though the United States has expressed its skepticism.
Some 200,000 people have been killed in violence in Darfur, and more than two million driven from their homes, according to the United Nations, which has reported widespread human rights abuses there.
Benn also criticised Sudan’s government for making it difficult for aid organisations to operate in the region, saying: “The regime is making the humanitarian effort more difficult.”
“I am concerned about the continuing obstacles that get put in the way, like visas and travel permits and getting material through customs.
“It’s a continuing frustration that there isn’t the kind of co-operation there ought to be, given that it is the humanitarian effort that is keeping alive two million or so people in the camps.”
(AFP)