Egypt mulls sending observers to Sudan’s troubled Darfur region

CAIRO, July 15 (AFP) — Egypt said Thursday it may seek to send observers to join the African Union-led mission monitoring a truce between the Sudanese government and rebel groups in Sudan’s war-torn western Darfur region.

Presidential spokesman Maged Abdul Fatah made the comment following talks here between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his Sudanese counterpart, Omar el-Beshir.

He said the issue of Egypt’s participation was still under review but hinted that a decision could be made soon.

“It is important that we contribute in restoring stability in the Darfur region,” he added, warning that an escalation of the situation, which could invite sanctions against Sudan, would have unfavorable consequences for the entire region.

The AU has a 120-strong monitoring team on the ground in Darfur and said it would deploy up to 300 troops in the region from the end of July to protect the mission.