Britain supports Darfur force, names special envoy

KHARTOUM, June 14 (AFP) — Britain announced an extra 12 million pounds (22 million dollars) for the African Union peackeeping force in Darfur Tuesday and named a special representative for the war-wracked western region of Sudan.

International Development Minister Hilary Benn made the announcement as he wrapped up a two-day visit during which he toured two of the displaced persons’ camps in Darfur that house many of the 2.4 million people who have fled their homes in the region.

Benn said Britain was increasing its contribution to the expansion of the AU peackeeping force to 19 million pounds (34 million dollars).

“This brings our total contribution to the African Union Mission in the Sudan since its inception (a year ago) to almost 32 million pounds (58 million dollars).”

Benn said veteran Sudan specialist Alan Goulty had been appointed Britain’s special representative for Darfur.

“He will support the AU-led work to achieve a durable political settlement to the Darfur conflict, keeping in regular contact with all the main parties.”

The minister called on both government and rebel delegations at peace talks in Nigeria to intensify the search for a settlement so the displaced could return to their homes as quickly as possible.

“There are great expectations by the people of Darfur for peace, because they do not want to live in camps any more… they want to go home,” Benn said.

“They look now to the politicians .. to the representatives of the parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”

Talks between the two sides resumed on Friday in Abuja after a six-month break.

As many as 300,000 people are estimated to have died in Darfur since the ethnic minority rebels launched their uprising in early 2003 prompting the government to unleash Arab militias in a scorched earth campaign.