Dutch FM urges tougher Sudan sanctions over Darfur

November 10, 2007 (The Hague) — Dutch Foreign Minister, Maxime Verhagen, has called for tougher United Nations sanctions against Sudan because of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

If such a move cannot be agreed in the Security Council, he wants the European Union to impose extra sanctions independently, reported Radio Netherlands Worldwide.

The foreign minister was speaking during a special programme on Darfur broadcast by Dutch public service television on Friday evening.

Last May the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation, Mr. Bert Koenders, visited Sudan troubled Darfur region to visit Darfur displaced camps and inspect the African Union troops in the region.

The Dutch government contributes to finance the AU peacekeeping mission through the European Union.

More than 200,000 people have been killed in the violence, and an estimated 2.5 million civilians have fled to refugee camps in Darfur and neighboring countries.

(ST)