UN peacekeepers could be at risk if deployed to Darfur – minister

Feb 27, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan warned Monday that United Nations peacekeepers could be at risk if they deployed to its conflict-wracked Darfur region.

According to the official SUNA news agency, Justice Minister Mohamed Ali Al Mardhi told Sima Samar, the United Nations’ special rapporteur for human rights in Sudan, that it would be difficult to provide protection for such forces.

“The minister has warned the U.N. official about the danger of sending foreign forces to Sudan,” SUNA said.

It added that Al Mardi said implementing a proposal to send “international forces to Darfur would pave the way for infiltration of elements in Sudan across the borders with neighboring countries a matter which will complicate the protection and safety of the international forces.”

The United States has been pushing for quick approval of a U.N. peacekeeping force in Darfur region and wants the Security Council to approve a resolution establishing a force by the end of February.

Britain and several other council members said last week there was support for a U.N. force, but wanted to wait for the African Union — which has about 7,000 troops deployed there — to make a final decision at a meeting on March 3.

Some regional nations also want approval from the Sudanese government, which opposes the deployment of non-African troops.

An estimated 180,000 people have died, mainly of hunger and disease, and some 2 million people have been displaced since rebels from Darfur’s ethnic African population revolted three years ago, accusing the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum of discrimination and decades of neglect.

(ST/AP)