US stands firm on a chapter VII resolution for Darfur peacekeeping force

By: Wasil Ali

July 19, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — The United States said that it will not accept any compromises aimed at watering down a proposed resolution on UN-AU hybrid force.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is working on a resolution authorizing up to 26,000 troops and police in Darfur.

But several council members and Sudan expressed reservations on some parts of the resolution particularly the threat of further measures” if any of the parties “fail to fulfill their commitments or cooperate fully.”

The Sudanese government objected to the mandate allowing the force to “use all necessary means” to protect civilians.

A State Department official, speaking to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity said that the US wants a resolution that clearly provides for “U.N. command and control with a single chain of command and a Chapter VII authority to use all means to protect civilians”.

“Our position on this is not negotiable” the official added.

But the African bloc at the UNSC that includes Ghana, Congo and South Africa want changes to the text before it is adopted.

The Sudanese government agreed to allow the deployment of the hybrid AU-UN peacekeeping force in the Darfur region following talks in Khartoum with a delegation of the Security Council in June.

(ST)